Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-4-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for August 4, 2026

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

Medacta Makes Maury HQ (Press Release)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Medacta International officials announced today that Medacta will expand its footprint in Tennessee by relocating its U.S. headquarters and expanding its manufacturing operations to Maury County.

To further amplify the company’s growth, Medacta will relocate and expand its U.S. headquarters from Franklin, Tennessee to Spring Hill. Additionally, Medacta is co-locating what will become its U.S. manufacturing hub in Spring Hill. The major expansion will be carried out in several stages and is designed to strengthen the company’s global supply chain for medical devices as well as operational footprint.

Upon completion, the new development site on Jim Warren Road, near the intersection of I-65 and Saturn Parkway, is expected to create more than 200 new jobs across manufacturing, corporate operations and other supporting roles and represents an investment of $85 million.

Medacta, a Swiss-listed company, was founded in Castel San Pietro, Switzerland, and is a global key player specializing in the design, production and distribution of innovative, personalized and sustainable solutions for joint replacement, sports medicine and spine surgery.

Switzerland is one of Tennessee’s top partners for foreign direct investment (FDI) with more than 40 Swiss companies across the state that account for more than 4,000 jobs and $1.2 billion in capital investment.

Quotes

“Tennessee continues to compete and win on a global scale, attracting world-class companies like Medacta that choose to grow their business here. As the home of Medacta’s U.S. headquarters, our state is proud to support the company’s continued investment in Middle Tennessee. This expansion and the creation of 235 new jobs reflect the confidence international companies have in Tennessee’s skilled workforce, strong business climate and commitment to long-term success.” — Gov. Bill Lee

“Our state has earned a global reputation as a leader in healthcare and medical device manufacturing, with Middle Tennessee serving as the heart of one of the nation’s most dynamic healthcare ecosystems. Medacta’s continued growth reinforces the strength of this industry and the advantages our state offers companies looking to innovate, expand and succeed. I look forward to seeing the company’s continued impact in the years to come.” — Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter

“Medacta’s vision and commitment is to improve the care and well-being of orthopaedic and spin surgery patients. Our differentiated innovations, products and solution offerings are targeted to improve patient outcomes and are part of Medacta’s success in delivering above-market growth over the past years. This new development project in Spring Hill will not only assist us in our further growth strategy but will also strengthen Medacta’s U.S. footprint to enable a healthy and active lifestyle for every patient in the U.S. We are delighted to have found this great location and intent to advance the project without delay.” — Francesco Siccardi, CEO, Medacta

“Team Maury has consistently worked toward providing higher wage opportunities and diversifying the local economy. Medacta’s announcement brings world-class medical device headquarters and production functions into the community, helping it reach both of these goals. I extend a warm welcome to Medacta and express my sincere appreciation to all of our economic development partners who assisted in this effort.” — Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt

Columbia Police Join Task Force (Press Release)

In July of 2026, The Columbia Police Department took a step forward in its efforts in targeting offenders who are focused on preying on innocent children by joining the Tennessee Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce. 

After joining the ICAC taskforce, they received their first tip through the ICAC information center and on Friday, July 31st, 2026, investigators and officers with The Columbia Police Department in conjunction with Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce executed a search warrant in Columbia in relation to alleged sexual exploitation of a minor. 

This investigation resulted in the arrest of a forty-six-year-old male who had previously been convicted of sexual related crimes against children and is on the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry. Currently this individual has been charged with Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Especially Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and is currently incarcerated in The Maury County Jail. Additional charges will be forthcoming after investigators analyze all evidence obtained during the execution of the search warrant. 

Chief Jeremy Haywood stated “I am extremely pleased to announce that The Columbia Police Department is now a member of The ICAC Taskforce. This step will aid our investigators in their efforts to locate and hold accountable those individuals who are targeting innocent children. An abundance of investigative effort and time goes into these types of cases, and I am proud of the work of the investigators and partner agencies involved with this first ICAC case.”  

Maury County School Begin (CDH)

The hallways, bus stops and drop-off lines were filled with excitement as Maury County Public Schools kicked off the 2026-27 academic year on Monday, Aug. 3.

While all students will officially return to school on Wednesday, Aug. 12, Monday was the first day for many students to grab their backpacks and strap in for another year of learning.

The first day of school is also an important time for teachers and faculty. Students at Randolph Howell Elementary School, for example, were greeted with hugs and "Good morning!" by MCPS Superintendent Lisa Ventura.

Ventura shared with The Daily Herald how every year local educators push to make the return to school an exciting time for everyone, and one of the best parts is watching students arrive.

"We are excited," Ventura said. "It's like this is Christmas morning and here come the gifts."

Ventura added that part of the excitement is also due to the work that happens behind the scenes.

"A lot pours into this, having staff ready and prepared, having teachers in classrooms and making sure we have butts in the seats and that everyone on the bus is heading in the right direction," Ventura said. "That's a lot of the work we do over the summer."

And much like the county's growth in its citizenry and local businesses continues to thrive, so does the progress of its local education system.

"I am really excited about our hiring this year and we have some fantastic new people coming in," Ventura said. "A couple of years ago, when we started school, we had something like 200 teacher vacancies, and now we are down to only about 20. We have some hard-to-fill positions in special education and math, but other than that our staffs are ready, our SROs are ready after spending time with them training for things like safety."

Randolph Howell Assistant Principal Kristen Morjal added that, while preparing for another school year is always a lot of work, the best part is reconnecting with the students as they arrive that first day. Though she joked that watching them grow older, not to mention taller, can be difficult.

"The best part is the kids," Morjal said. "This will be my sixth year here, and so I've seen a lot of these kids progress. So watching them come in and go from kindergarten to first grade, yeah, that's hard."

For more information about the 2026-27 MCPS academic school year, visit MauryK12.org or contact the main office at (931) 388-8403.

City Accepting Applications for Mayor’s Youth Council (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Columbia Mayor's Youth Council (CMYC). Open to high school juniors and seniors throughout Maury County, including public, private, and homeschooled students, the program offers participants a unique opportunity to explore local government, build leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact in their community.

The Mayor's Youth Council provides students with a behind-the-scenes look at how elected officials and municipal departments serve the Columbia community. Participants will engage with all 12 City departments, tour municipal facilities including the Columbia Police Department, Fire Department, and Public Works, and hear directly from City leaders about the services they provide. Throughout the program, students will also collaborate to plan a community project designed to benefit the Columbia community. These hands-on experiences encourage civic engagement while providing participants with a deeper understanding of local government and how it impacts their daily lives.

"Columbia is a city that values the ideas, energy, and leadership of our young people," said Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder. "The Mayor's Youth Council gives students the opportunity to engage directly with local government, build relationships with City leaders, and work together on projects that make a lasting difference in our community."

Students accepted into the program will meet throughout the school year at Columbia City Hall and various City facilities. During 2026, the Council will meet once a month, with meetings increasing to twice a month in 2027 to include Special Project planning sessions. Regular meetings will feature presentations from City departments and community leaders, while the additional planning sessions will give students dedicated time to collaborate on a community project designed to benefit the Columbia community.

"The Mayor's Youth Council helps prepare the next generation of community leaders," said City Manager Tony Massey. "Through hands-on experiences and community involvement, students gain a deeper understanding of local government while building a stronger connection to Columbia."

Applications will be accepted from August 3 through August 28, 2026. Applicants must submit a completed application, a photo ID, and a current high school transcript that includes their unweighted GPA. Selected participants will be notified by September 3, 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit www.columbiatn.gov.

Seasonal Changes Impact Employment (MSM)

The annual summer break, which temporarily sidelines many school employees such as bus drivers, cafeteria workers and custodial staff, contributed to an expected increase in county unemployment rates in June, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD).

Unlike the statewide rate, county rates are not adjusted to account for seasonal impacts on employment.

Unemployment rates increased from May to June in 94 of Tennessee’s 95 counties. Maury County was the lone exception; its rate fell one-tenth of a percentage point.

Eighty-four counties reported unemployment rates of less than 5 percent. The remaining 11 counties had rates of 5 percent or greater, with the highest at 6 percent.

Cheatham and Sevier counties recorded the state’s lowest unemployment rates for June at 3 percent. Cheatham’s rate was up six-tenths of a percentage point over May, and Sevier’s rate was up four-tenths of a percentage point.

Five counties — Wilson, Williamson, Sumner, Dickson, and Rutherford — followed with rates of 3.1 percent.

Perry County had Tennessee’s highest unemployment rate in June. At 6 percent, it was seven-tenths of a percentage point higher than the previous month.

Hancock County had the next-highest unemployment rate at 5.7 percent, an increase of 1 percentage point over May. Pickett County’s rate was 5.6 percent, up eight-tenths of a percentage point.

TDLWD has compiled an analysis of the June 2026 county unemployment data.

Tennessee will release statewide unemployment data for July 2026 on Thursday, August 20.

Ob/Gyn Joins MRMC (Press Release)

Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) has added Brandi W. Trammell, MD, a board-certified physician in obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) and obesity medicine, to its MRMG OB-GYN practice.

 Dr. Trammell earned her medical degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile, Alabama, and completed her residency at Yale New Haven Medical Center in New Haven, Connecticut.

 Dr. Trammell joins a multi-provider team that includes Nicole Falls, MD; Taylor Masters, MD; Michael J. Pelletier, MD;  Andres Rodriguez, MD; Brittany Legg, FNP-BC; Leslie McBroom, FNP-BC; and Jill McDonald, FNP-BC. The practice provides specialized care for women from childbearing years through post-menopause. No physician referral is required to schedule an appointment.

MRMG OB-GYN occupies the entire fourth floor of the Medical Office Building (building B) on the Maury Regional Medical Center campus at 1222 Trotwood Ave., Suite 400, Columbia, TN 38401. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 931.490.1295 or visit MauryRegional.com/mrmgobgyn.

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. 

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…

Garnie Steve Stidham, 76, a resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away at his residence on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at Knob Creek Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Knob Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until the service hour at 2:00 p.m. at the church.

Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…

Legislature Cracking Down on AI in Classroom (Tennessean)

A group of Tennessee lawmakers plans to "hold bad educators accountable for sexual misconduct and other forms of abuse" and create stronger protections for students, according to an Aug. 3 news release.

Six lawmakers who lead the state's House and Senate education committees and subcommittees will spend the months ahead finding "new ways to crack down on all forms of inappropriate behavior and abuse toward Tennessee students," the release from the House Republican Caucus stated.

The release said the move was prompted by the firing of Metro Nashville Public Schools teacher Mario Mumphery, which was first reported by The Tennessean. In a letter addressed to Mumphery last month, MNPS Director Adrienne Battle said he altered photos and videos of students with artificial intelligence, without their consent, in "inappropriate" ways that made them "extremely uncomfortable."

The Tennessee Department of Children's Services is investigating Mumphery. His firing was unanimously approved by the MNPS board during its regular July 28 meeting.

The group of lawmakers includes House Education Committee Chair Mark White, R-Memphis, and Senate Education Committee Chair Dawn White, R-Murfreesboro. House education subcommittee chairs Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, William Slater, R-Gallatin, Charlie Baum, R-Murfreesboro, and Kirk Haston, R-Lobelville, are also part of the group.

"No parent should ever have to question whether their child will be safe in the classroom," a joint statement from the lawmakers in the release read. In the coming months, we will craft legislation that better prioritizes student safety, holds predators accountable and reinforces the integrity of Tennessee's classrooms."

The release pointed to recent efforts to boost student protections, including a prohibition on sexually related behavior between teachers and recently graduated students, the state's anti-grooming act and a law that revokes the teaching licenses of teachers who plead guilty to certain violent crimes.

"Additional proposals to protect students will be considered when the 115th General Assembly convenes on Jan. 12," the release said.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Get ready for a weekend of outdoor fun at Campin’ in the Park at Fischer Park (4285 Port Royal Rd, Spring Hill, TN 37174)! Gather your family, pitch a tent, and enjoy an unforgettable camping experience filled with community, adventure, and memories under the stars.

Event Dates: September 19th–20th, 2026

Registration Information:

Registration opens August 24

Registration closes September 11

Registration is FREE, but all participants must be registered to attend.

Important Information:

• All youth must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone throughout the event.

• Space is limited, so be sure to register before the deadline.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or trying it for the first time, Campin’ in the Park is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and make lasting memories with family and friends.

More information can be found on the Camping in the Park 2026 Facebook Page.