Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-12-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for August 12, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Duck River Partnership Okays CPWS Intake (Press Release)

The Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership formally affirmed the downstream intake and raw water transmission portions of the Columbia Power & Water Systems (CPWS) Long-Term Water Supply Program during its meeting Monday, August 10, marking a crucial step forward in securing reliable, sustainable water service for the region’s future. 

Monday’s decision completes a two-part affirmation by the Partnership. The vote follows last month’s unanimous approval of the proposed CPWS water treatment facility, officially endorsing the comprehensive project as a vital initiative for the long-term health and preservation of the Duck River. 

By endorsing both the infrastructure expansion and the overall supply strategy, the Partnership recognized CPWS’s proactive measures to balance growing municipal water demands with environmental stewardship. 

"This full affirmation from the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership validates years of diligent planning and science-based forecasting," said Jack Baxter, interim president and CEO of CPWS. "Securing our community's water future while safeguarding the Duck River's delicate ecosystem must go hand in hand. The Partnership’s support reinforces that this project is not only necessary for our region’s source water needs, but fundamentally right for the long-term health of our river." 

The CPWS Long-Term Water Supply Program is designed to meet existing and expanding residential and industrial capacity needs across the service area while minimizing environmental impact on the river’s natural flow and biodiversity. With the Partnership’s formal backing, CPWS will continue to seek guidance and approval of parity from the Tennessee Local Development Authority for their two major funding sources — $75 million from the State Revolving Fund and $315 million from the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan

TN Historical Commission Grants Awarded (MauryCountySource)

The Tennessee Historical Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, awarded 28 matching grants totaling more than $1.1 million from the Federal Historic Preservation Fund to nonprofits, local governments, universities and civic organizations across the state to help preserve historic and archaeological resources.

The grants reimburse 60% of eligible project costs, with recipients providing a 40% match. According to the Tennessee Historical Commission, the funding supports projects that document, restore and preserve historic sites across the state.

“We are pleased to be able to provide Historic Preservation Fund grants that will help document and restore the important places that make our state so unique,” said Miranda Montgomery, State Historic Preservation Office and interim executive director of the Tennessee Historical Commission. “The Federal Historic Preservation Fund grant program allows the Tennessee Historical Commission to make tangible progress in the preservation and study of our state’s treasured historic places.”

This year’s grants will fund a variety of preservation and restoration projects, including continued stained-glass restoration at the Lindsley Avenue Church of Christ in Nashville and preservation planner positions in seven of Tennessee’s development districts.

The commission also prioritized projects in Certified Local Government communities, which participate in the federal historic preservation program. Five certified communities received funding this year, including the Town of Dandridge for restoration work at the Hickman Tavern and Hickman Tavern Coach House in Jefferson County.

Projects receiving restoration funding must involve properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The next Federal Historic Preservation Fund grant cycle will open in January 2027.

Middle Tennessee grant recipients include:

Maury County

• African American Heritage Society of Maury County: $9,000 for foundation restoration of the Mrs. A.J. Morton & Son Funeral Home.

• Maury County Government: $60,000 for roof restoration of the War Memorial Building.

Spring Hill Repaving Project (MauryCountySource)

Several neighborhoods and major roadways in Spring Hill will be repaved after the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the city’s annual paving plan for the 2027 fiscal year.

The projects were selected following the Public Works Department’s annual road assessment, which rates streets from “Very Poor” to “Very Good” to help prioritize maintenance needs.

Roads and neighborhoods included in this year’s paving plan are:

• Buckner Place Subdivision

• Deerfield Subdivision

• Golf View Estates

• Hunters Pointe Subdivision

• Augusta Trace Drive

• Derryberry Lane

• Jacob Drive

• Kedron Road (from Saturn Parkway to I-65)

• Loudenslager Drive

• North Old Port Royal Road

• Prescott Way

• Stewart Campbell Point

The City of Spring Hill said paving work is expected to begin soon and continue throughout the fiscal year.

Ogles’ Loss A Rarity (CDH)

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles lost his bid for reelection in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District after being defeated in the GOP primary by former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, a dairy farmer.

Historical records suggest that only three other Tennessee U.S. House incumbents have lost primary contests in the past 100 years.

Hatcher's victory came just two days after Gov. Bill Lee endorsed him and about a week after President Donald Trump joined a tele-rally on July 28 to reiterate his support for Ogles, who was trailing Hatcher in the polls.

"Andy will be, really, enshrined as one of the best congressmen that you'll ever see," Trump said during the tele-rally.

Ogles' defeat was confirmed around 9 p.m. Aug. 6. Hatcher received 53.24% of the vote, while Ogles received 46.76%, according to the Tennessee Secretary of State.

After the result came in, Ogles was met with applause as he walked into his watch party at The Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery in Spring Hill around 9:15 p.m.

"Nobody likes to lose, but the results are in and, look, we've fought a great race," Ogles said.

"It has been an absolute honor to serve Tennessee as a member of Congress, and I look forward to helping Charlie as he transitions and then helping any of you throughout the remainder of my term," Ogles said.

Ogles said he called Hatcher to congratulate him, and offered to help the GOP nominee if he takes office.

Hatcher, a College Grove resident, dairy farmer and owner of Hatcher Family Dairy in Williamson County, ran as a pro-Trump Republican in the 2026 5th Congressional District primary.

On the campaign trail, Hatcher won over his voters by vowing to protect farmers and agriculture producers, boost economic growth in rural Tennessee and support Republican-oriented pragmatic governance.

In addition to receiving an endorsement from Gov. Lee, Hatcher also received an endorsement from former Gov. Bill Haslam.

“Apparently, 'Hire a farmer' resonated with the constituents of the 5th District,” Hatcher said to a cheering crowd at his Franklin watch party after the election results came in.

“I'm going to carry that work ethic, that ability to get the job done, to solve problems as veterinarians or farmers do every day, and to serve others.”

Ogles ' loss puts him on a short list of Tennessee congressional incumbents who have been ousted by voters in the primaries.

Over the last 100 years, records indicate that there have seemingly only been three Tennessee congressional incumbents to lose in a primary election, according to the Biographical Directory of United States Congress.

Late Democratic Rep. Clifford Davis was elected to Tennessee 9th Congressional District in 1940. Serving for 25 years, Davis was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1964, losing to George W. Grider.

Two years later, in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, the late Democratic Rep. Tom J. Murray lost to Ray Blanton in 1966. Murray was a member of Congress for 23 years.

Nearly 40 years later, former Rep. David Davis was elected to Tennessee's 1st Congressional District in 2006. After one term in Congress, Davis lost his bid for renomination in 2008, losing to Republican Phil Roe in the GOP primary.

Local FFA Receives Highest Honor (MSM)

The Battle Creek FFA chapter of Spring Hill has been recognized in 2026 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization. They were given a three-star ranking, the highest possible ranking, from the National FFA Organization. Less than 10% of chapters nationwide are given a ranking from the National FFA Organization, which marks the Battle Creek chapter as a truly exceptional one.

Throughout the country, the program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve their operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a program of activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.

Chapters that received star ratings during judging this summer and will be recognized at the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct. 21-24. Anyone individual interested in supporting these outstanding students for their travel to the National Convention may contact Chris Martin, the official advisor to the Battle Creek High School FFA chapter.

All-star-rated FFA chapters receive honors made possible by corporate sponsors Bayer, Cargill Protein, John Deere, New Holland, Rabobank and Syngenta.

About the National FFA Organization

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,407 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on social media outlets.

Columbia State Receives Metallica Grant (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College is proud to announce it has once again been asked to participate in the eighth year of the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). Supported by a generous $15,000 grant aimed at enhancing access to the Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy through scholarship funds. 

As a four-time MSI participant, Columbia State has received $190,000 in support of career and technical education programs throughout the initiative's existence. Columbia State was the first community college in Tennessee to receive a MSI grant.

“The continued support of the Metallica Scholars Initiative is creating life-changing opportunities for future lineworkers across Middle Tennessee,” said Patrick McElhiney, director of grants at Columbia State. “By investing in our Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy, this grant helps remove financial barriers and opens the door to a high-demand, essential profession. These scholarships empower students to pursue meaningful careers while helping build the skilled workforce that keeps power flowing to homes, businesses, and communities throughout our region.”

Metallica’s James Hetfield said, “This thing started as a dream. Now our program is changing lives. To expand our impact on a global scale and support even more students is so rewarding. We’re so proud of all the Metallica Scholars who have come through it and all the ones who will participate in it. It’s humbling to know we’ve been part of the journey of thousands of trade professionals doing good, hard work in the world.”   

AWMH continues to work closely with its long-time partner, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands, MSI’s core focus is supporting conventional trades, including welders, plumbers and electricians, while also adding fields that will generate the jobs of tomorrow. The workforce initiative continues to evolve, supporting diverse fields for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to establish meaningful careers that provide family-sustaining wages. Year 8 includes a wide range of fields, including nursing and healthcare, optical systems technology, automotive repair, maritime manufacturing, firefighting and EMT, pipefitting and agricultural pathways.  

Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard, President and CEO, AACC, said, “The continued growth of the Metallica Scholars Initiative is a powerful testament to what’s possible when visionary philanthropy and community colleges come together around a shared mission.  Through this partnership, 13,000 community college students have already been supported across the country, earning the skills needed for in-demand careers with family-sustaining wages. This latest, generous investment by Metallica’s foundation will reach more learners, while strengthening the workforce pipelines that power local economies. We are proud to partner with All Within My Hands to scale this impact, ensuring even more students have access to life-changing opportunities in the skilled trades and beyond.”

The initiative’s eighth iteration also marks the renewal of AWMH’s partnerships with Carhartt, Wolverine, CNH Construction, and Upstaging, Inc., as well as the addition of the Foundation’s newest partner, ServiceTitan. These corporate partners complement the Foundation’s Executive and Advisory Board Members and the broader Metallica Family, all of whom have played a role in advancing AWMH’s mission and driving its success. 

Peter Delgrosso, Executive Director, AWMH, said, “Metallica Scholars Year 8 will see our largest-scale growth yet, as we anticipate supporting close to 4,000 new students in the United States and more than 1,000 learners in the UK. This represents an approximate 40% increase in our student body, something we are incredibly excited about. Supporting people of all ages entering and ascending through trades is the right thing to do, not just domestically, but also abroad. Our Metallica Scholars have demonstrated resilience and a strong determination to succeed, which in turn motivates us to match their ambition.” 

For a complete list of all 93 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visit allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars. 

For more information on Columbia State’s partnership with the Metallica Scholars Initiative, please visit columbiastate.edu/metallica/metallica-scholars.   

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…

Mrs. Barbara Dey Horton Williams “Babs”, 78, of Columbia, TN passed away on August 8th, 2026 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday August 13 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rock Springs Cemetery. The visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-8pm and on Thursday between 12-1pm at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Mr. Kenneth Orman Knox Sr, 98, resident of Columbia passed away on Sunday August 9, 2026 at his home. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM till the time of service at the Funeral Home.

Ozella Denton Dugger, 94, died Monday, August 10, 2026, at Brookdale Assisted Living.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Friendship Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…

Marshall Wins Williamson Mayoral Race (WilliamsonHerald)

 Republican Andy Marshall is officially the new Mayor of Williamson County. Marshall beat B.K. Muvvala in the general election for Williamson County mayor with staggering numbers, earning Marshall the role as next Williamson County mayor. 

Election Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, proved the county’s faith in Marshall; he tallied 30,471 votes in total, to Muvvala’s total of 12,707.  

Marshall will succeed 24-year Mayor Rogers Anderson. 

On Thursday night, Marshall held a viewing party at Gray’s on Main in downtown Franklin, enjoying the evening with live music alongside his many supporters. 

Upon seeing the quick rise in votes against Muvvala, Marshall told the Williamson Herald, “You really can’t even look forward until we look back and realize just how blessed we’ve been in this community—the quality of life, the foundation that we stand on in this community, so many that came before this opportunity—it’s just such a blessing to be a part of it.”

Early voting numbers showed Marshall 10,000 votes ahead of Muvvala, at which point Marshall addressed his audience from the stage and thanked his wife Jan, highlighted young voters, and he thanked his campaign team. He also called attention to outgoing Mayor Rogers Anderson and Chief of Staff Diane Giddens, both of whom will retire at the end of August. 

He called Anderson’s service “remarkable to our community.” 

“Looking forward, there’s a lot in front of us. There’s a lot to do,” Marshall said with Jan by his side. “I’m not naïve to that. I’m excited about it. It drives the nervous energy inside of me. I’m thinking about the things that can be accomplished with what we have in front of us.”

He mentioned the future of the county commission and new opportunities to come. 

“I’m extremely excited to be working with you and for you and us, making our own mark here in this county, in the quality of life, and the government that’s in front of us,” he said.

Marshall will be stepping down as CEO of A.Marshall Hospitality, the parent company of Puckett’s and other food establishments. His daughter, Claire Crowell will be taking the reins of that company.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Nashville Zoo has welcomed three infant Mexican spider monkeys rescued from the illegal wildlife pet trade. 

The monkeys — one male and two females named Miso, Matcha and Mei — are each just under two months old. They were confiscated by law enforcement, transferred to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and later placed at Nashville Zoo through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Wildlife Confiscations Network.

Because the monkeys are still so young, Nashville Zoo’s veterinary team will care for them at the HCA Healthcare Veterinary Hospital for the next several months before they are old enough to be introduced to the Zoo’s spider monkey troop. Guests can currently see the infants through the nursery windows during regular Zoo hours.

Learn more about them at www.nashvillezoo.org.