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

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for August 26, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Illegal Gambling Crackdown (MauryCountySource)

The Columbia Police Department executed 21 search warrants Tuesday as part of a lengthy investigation into illegal gambling operations involving businesses and individuals across the city.

The investigation is being conducted with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Police said multiple convenience stores are among the locations being searched.

An increased police presence was felt throughout Columbia as the search warrants were carried out.

The Columbia Police Department stated that there will be a press conference on Wednesday outlining some details about the operation.

CSCC Opens Southern Regional Technology Center (MSM)

After two years of construction and many more of planning and funding, Columbia State Community College has opened the doors of its Southern Regional Technology Center (SRTC). The grand opening of the $50 million building was bedazzled with music by the local Merchants of Cool big band, an open house of the new building and an elaborate drone-light show funded by Hoar Construction.

Ground was broken on the facility in August 2024, which was designed by Anecdote Architectural Experiences and built by Hoar Construction. The SRTC now holds laboratories and classrooms where vocational-training students can earn certificates in medical technology, respiratory care, nursing, practical nursing, welding, medical informatics, automotive tech, engineering systems tech, radiology tech, veterinary tech and HVAC. Students from the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) in Pulaski and Hohenwald can study at the SRTC, and the TCATs are sending extensions of their programs north and west respectively, so that students who live closer to Columbia State can take them without commuting.

“This facility is all about access and opportunity… to provide the skilled workforce that our region needs,” said Dr. Ben Whitehead, president of TCAT Pulaski, which offers the in-demand welding and HVAC programs in the SRTC. TCAT Pulaski is also at work on $27 million worth of campus improvements for the sake of its own vocational programs.

“For TCAT Hohenwald and the SRTC, it is a dream come true for our technical programs to include automotive [tech] (which will also include EV and hybrid) and practical nursing, with the SRTC providing [them] a permanent home and existence in Maury County,” said Dr. Kelli Kea-Carroll, president of TCAT Hohenwald and a former Columbia State student.

“The SRTC is ultimately an investment in people,” said Dr. Janet Smith, Columbia State’s president.

“It is an investment in workforce development… stronger communities, and… future generations. This facility demonstrates what can happen when educational institutions, government leaders, community partners and industry work together around a shared vision.”

Dr. Flora Tydings, chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), thanked Gov. Bill Lee and Maury County’s state-level congressmen for sharing that vision and appropriating the enormous $1.5 billion TBR fund balance that built the SRTC. Outgoing County Commissioner Eric Previti told Main Street Maury that the last two county commissions also contributed $80,000 a year over five years, totaling $400,000, to the SRTC.

“The community stepped up and helped us in ways for which we will be forever grateful,” Tydings said.

“Projects like this do not happen without dedicated people who remain committed from start to finish,” Smith said. Among the particularly helpful individuals she singled out Dr. Tim Hallmark of CS Facilities, Vice President Bethany Lay of Columbia State, Dr. Kay Fleming, dean of Health Sciences, and Dr. Mehran Mostajir, dean of Business and Technology, as well as other staff.

“I would like to thank you: our community, our state leaders, our local officials, our faculty, and all our community partners, who believed in this and helped to make it possible.”

County Commission Meeting (MSM)

The last meeting of the Maury County Commission elected in 2022 was colored by the knowledge that 11 of its 22 members are leaving office and won’t be voting at next month’s meeting. Acting Chairman Gwynne Evans gave his congratulations and thanks to the other departing commissioners: Pam Huffman (District 1), Eric Previti (District 2), Talvin Barner (District 3) (deceased April 2026), Brandon Nutt (District 5), Kathey Grodi (District 6), Aaron Miller (District 7), Gabe Howard and Davis Burkhalter (District 8), Jerry Bridenbaugh (District 9), Tommy Wolaver (District 10) and Gwynne Evans (District 11).

“I want to give each and every one of you that won’t be coming back an opportunity to speak,” Evans said.

“I really enjoyed getting to know everyone on the commission and in this community… It’s a good experience… and it was my privilege to serve with the other people,” Grodi said.

“Hopefully I’ve made a good name for myself while I was here. I’ve enjoyed it,” Huffman said, adding thanks to her constituents.

“It’s been an honor to be chairman… I’ve seen people come and go, and a lot of them, after they’ve left, you never see them again,” said Previti, a three-term commissioner now running to be mayor of Columbia.

The 2026 Commission will take office at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 1, at which time it will elect its new officers and new membership for its committees. The incoming commission is made up of the following members: District 1 – Jerry Strahan (incumbent) and Tim Holt; District 2 – Patti Hollinsworth (incumbent) and Wayne Romesburg; District 3 – Gary Stovall (incumbent) and Winston Harlan; District 4 – Connie Green (incumbent) and Mike Kuzawinski (incumbent); District 5 – Scott Sumners (incumbent) and Sam Barnes; District 6 – Cindy Hestla (incumbent) and Rebecca Haines; District 7 – Kenny Morrow (incumbent) and Richard Baud; District 8 – Steven Burford and Missy Smith Phillips; District 9 – Kevin Markham (incumbent) and Brent Coen; District 10 – Danny Grooms (incumbent) and Greg Combs; District 11 – Chad Brothers (incumbent) and Tim Mullen.

County Business

The 2022 Commission closed on important business in its last meeting, especially related to county real estate and facilities. Commissioners approved a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $7.67 million for the first phase of improvements at Maury County Park, which include relocating the old ballfields and constructing a new maintenance building in a different place. Outgoing Commissioner Gabe Howard reaffirmed his opposition one last time not to the project, but to the decision to entrust the project to the county’s owner-advocate Hewlett Spencer, instead of putting it out to competitive bidding.

On the count of facilities, the commission voted to purchase a three-acre lot with a house in Santa Fe for $489,000, where the county can build a new fire station. Leaders of the volunteer Maury County Fire Department have sought a site for a new Santa Fe station for over a decade, especially since the current one is ill-suited to the new demand for fire service in the area.

The commission accepted Thrash Construction’s competitive $1.2 million bid to construct an evidence-storage building for the Maury County Sheriff’s Department. They also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to “swap” the old county library building to the City of Mount Pleasant, in exchange for the city’s suburban Howard Field property where the county is building its new library. Finally, the commission created an Advisory Board to weigh in on and guide the county’s efforts to make a museum out of part of the old courthouse.

On the personnel side, the county adopted a new Title VI policy that lays out how to file complaints about racial or national discrimination, and appointed Tonya Burgett to replace Commissioner Connie Green on the Library Board.

Columbia Junior Main Street Program (Press Release)

Columbia Main Street is proud to welcome 21 Maury County students to the 2026–2027 Junior Main Street program, bringing together high school students from public, private, and homeschool education to serve, learn, and make an impact in Downtown Columbia.

This year’s Junior Main Street class includes: Elias Twigg, Zion West, Sophia Cuzmin, Ellie Eddie, Jlayah Brown, Athena Loveall, Penelope Nicosia, Anyla Conway, McKennon Jones, Dalton Seal, Azalynn Hickman, Mariela Dominguez, Kelsey Judd, Marley Molder, Sophia Ervin, Julia Rector, Caiden McGee, Caroline Bush, Tessa Seiber, Molly Jane Graham, and Joy Velasquez.

The class represents students from Columbia Central High School, Columbia Academy, Agathos Classical School, Zion Christian Academy, and homeschool programs throughout Maury County. By bringing students from different schools and backgrounds together, Junior Main Street gives young people an opportunity to build relationships with peers they may not otherwise meet while working toward a shared goal of serving their community.

The students officially began their year with a Junior Main Street Summit Day in Downtown Columbia. The day introduced the class to Columbia Main Street, downtown businesses, upcoming events, and the hands-on approach that will define their experience throughout the school year. Students visited local businesses including BRITT’S, Taco Theory, and Puckett’s before concluding at the Visit Columbia Welcome Center, home of the Columbia Main Street office.

Throughout the 2026–2027 school year, Junior Main Street students will take an active role in downtown events, community initiatives, volunteer projects, beautification efforts, and partnerships with local businesses. Rather than simply learning about community involvement, students will have opportunities to participate in projects and see the results of their work firsthand.

Junior Main Street is designed to give young people a meaningful connection to the community they call home. Students will work alongside business owners, community leaders, Columbia Main Street volunteers, and one another while developing leadership, teamwork, communication, and service skills.

Columbia Main Street congratulates the 2026–2027 Junior Main Street class and looks forward to seeing the impact these 21 young leaders will make throughout the year.

CSCC Graduates Rad Techs and AI Conference (Press Release)

Columbia State Community College recently honored 25 radiologic technology graduates in a pinning ceremony in the Cherry Theater on the Columbia Campus.

“The Columbia State service area is gaining 25 competent and compassionate radiographers to provide residents with excellent imaging services,” said Rose Hobby, program director and associate professor of radiologic technology. “Admission to the radiologic technology program is currently the most competitive process at Columbia State, consistently receiving more qualified applicants per seat than any other program on campus. Our graduates receive over 1,500 hours of clinical training, thanks to our wonderful clinical partners, and they are ready to meet the needs of our community.”

Program graduates must take and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists board licensure exam in order to secure employment. Currently, the five-year average first-attempt pass rate for Columbia State is 92%, which is above the five-year national average pass rate of 85%.

“The radiologic technology 2026 graduates are the 51st and final class to complete the program in the college's original Health Sciences Building,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, dean of the Health Sciences Division and professor of radiologic technology. “The group is to be commended for demonstrating focus, resiliency, determination and adaptability — all essential skills for healthcare professionals — in rising to the occasion educationally while a new building quite literally rose from the ground adjacent to the classroom!” 

Columbia State’s radiologic technology program is a rigorous 22-month program in which students learn imaging science in order to become a radiographer and work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, doctors’ offices and other healthcare facilities.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are qualified to produce images of patients’ internal structures for use in medical diagnoses.

Columbia State’s radiologic technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

For more information about applying to this competitive admission program, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/RadTech or email RadTech@ColumbiaState.edu.

In other Columbia State news…

Columbia State Community College will host "AI for Small Business," a one-day conference designed to help entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals learn how to leverage artificial intelligence to streamline operations, strengthen marketing efforts and improve productivity.

The conference will take place Friday, Oct. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Columbia State's Williamson Campus in Franklin. Registration is $75 per person and includes lunch.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the business landscape, small businesses are increasingly looking for practical ways to incorporate AI tools into their daily operations. The conference will provide attendees with real-world strategies and demonstrations focused on improving efficiency, enhancing customer engagement and supporting business growth.

“Artificial intelligence is no longer a technology reserved for large corporations,” said Dr. Mehran Mostajir, Columbia State dean of the Business and Technology Division and assistant professor of Engineering Systems Technology. “This conference is designed to help small business owners and professionals understand how AI can be applied in practical ways to save time, increase productivity and strengthen their competitive advantage.”

Conference topics will include:

•    Creating marketing materials with AI

•    Customer communications

•    Back-office operations

•    Teaching AI to build and transform websites with personality

•    Solving business problems using AI

The conference keynote address, “Recent Developments in AI Applied to Your Practice,” will be presented by Dr. Jesse Spencer-Smith.

The event is intended for small business owners, entrepreneurs, startup founders, self-employed professionals, managers, team leaders and professionals working in marketing, operations and sales. Individuals interested in learning more about the business applications of artificial intelligence are also encouraged to attend.

The conference supports Columbia State's growing leadership in artificial intelligence education and workforce development. Earlier this year, the college received a $2.02 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education to establish a new AI division through the COMPASS initiative, or Community College Operational Model for Promoting AI Student Success. The initiative is designed to build institutional capacity for AI while expanding AI literacy, workforce readiness and community engagement opportunities throughout the region.

“Through initiatives like COMPASS and events such as AI for Small Business, Columbia State is helping ensure that students, employees and business leaders have access to the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy,” Mostajir said.

Registration is now open at https://qrco.de/bgsVsw. To learn more about our Workforce and Continuing Education programs, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Workforce. For more information, contact Mostajir at mmostajir@ColumbiaState.edu or by phone at 931.540.2710.

America 250th Lecture (Press Release)

The Maury 250th Commemoration Committee will continue the Lecture Series on August 29, 2025 at 10am at the West 7th Church of Christ located at 405 West 7th Street in Columbia, TN. It is free and open to the public.

The speaker, Dr. Lynn Nelson, will discuss President George Washington and some of the challenges he faced as this country’s first president.

Dr. Nelson is a Professor of History at Middle Tennessee State University. His research and teaching specialties are in Revolutionary America, the early American frontier, and environmental history. He has a Ph.D. from the College of William and Mary; a MA from the University of Kansas; and a BA from the University of Chicago.

He is the author of “Pharsalia: An Environmental Biography of a Southern Plantation, 1780-1880” (University of Georgia Press, 2007).

The Maury County 250th Committee includes representatives from the African American Heritage Society of Maury County, Columbia State Community College, Maury County Archives, Maury County Historical Society, and City of Mt. Pleasant and Spring Hill Library. “In addition to the lectures series, this committee has scheduled programs and events that will amplify the diverse voices and connect local and state history to the broader American story,” said Jo Ann McClellan, Project Director.

For more information about the schedule of events, please visit maury250.com.

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

Thomas Michael Long, 85, died Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Poplar Estates in Columbia, Tennessee, where he had recently made his home after moving from Dixon, Illinois, where he had lived for many years.

No arrangements have been planned at this time. 

Catherine Burns Choate, 96, a lifelong resident of Columbia, passed away Friday, August 21, 2026, at Maury Regional Medical Center.

A graveside service will be conducted Friday, August 28, 2026, at 1:30 PM at Jones Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Friday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Pauline “Polly” Carpenter Rankin, 96, a resident of Columbia, passed away Friday, August 21, 2026, at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with David Morris officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 1:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. 

Penny Ann Wright, 58, passed away on Thursday, August 21st.

A graveside celebration of Penny’s life will be held Saturday 8/29/26 at 11:30 AM at the Morrow Cemetery in Hampshire, TN

And now, news from around the state…

Farm Bureau Sends Kids to Titans Games (Press Release)

Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee (FBITN) is launching the 17th annual Tennessee Titans Kids Captain contest, inviting children ages 6 to 12 across the state of Tennessee to enter for the opportunity to participate in a unique game-day experience for the last time in Nissan Stadium. The program provides selected participants with exclusive on-field access and the chance to take part in pregame activities alongside the Tennessee Titans. 

From September through January, eight winners will be selected to serve as Kids Captains at Titans home games. Each winner will join the Titans’ captains at midfield for the pregame coin toss and receive four tickets to the game, four field passes, one parking pass, a red Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee cap, and an official Titans jersey. 

Since its inception in 2009, the Kids Captain contest has reflected Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee’s commitment to serving families by creating meaningful opportunities for young fans and celebrating communities across the state. 

“Our long-standing partnership with the Tennessee Titans reflects our shared commitment to serving communities across Tennessee,” said Bobby Pulley, chief executive officer of Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee. “With this being the team’s final season at the existing Nissan Stadium, the Kids Captain contest gives young fans the opportunity to experience a historic moment in Titans history from a special perspective. We are proud to continue supporting a program that creates lasting memories for children and their families.” 

Kids Captains will be chosen for the following Titans home games:

• Sept. 13 vs. New York Jets

• Sept. 20 vs. Philadelphia Eagles

• Oct. 11 vs. Houston Texans 

• Oct. 25 vs. Cleveland Browns

• Nov. 15 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars 

• Dec 6. vs. Washington Commanders

• Dec. 20 vs. Indianapolis Colts

• Jan. 3 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Contest entries open three weeks prior to the Titans’ home football games listed above, and contestants can enter to win anytime throughout the fall season. Entrants must be residents of Tennessee, be between ages 6 and 12, and have parental consent to participate. Winners will be notified approximately two weeks before their assigned game and must respond within 24 hours to claim their opportunity to shine on the field. 

Entries for the first game can be submitted through Aug. 30, at this link: https://enter.fbitn.com/kidscaptain2026titansvsjets

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

This fall, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage will feature a season of ghost tours, Halloween activities, history programs, art workshops, and outdoor events at the historic Nashville property. 

The fall schedule begins in August and continues through November, giving visitors a chance to experience the grounds as the seasons change.

One of the highlights is the return of the Hermitage’s annual Ghost Tours, running Thursdays through Sundays from Sept. 17 through Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The tours explore supernatural stories, unexplained occurrences and accounts connected to the historic site and the Jackson family, while also examining death, mourning customs and superstitions of the late-Regency and early-Victorian eras.

Learn more at www.thehermitage.com