Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-5-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for August 5, 2026

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

Pipkin Gets Death Penalty (Local43TV)

 A Maury County jury has sentenced Nathanial Pipkin to death for the October 2021 killings of three family members, including an 11-year-old girl.

The jury deliberated for nearly five hours before returning its decision. The same panel had previously found Pipkin guilty in connection with the deaths.

The courtroom remained silent as the jury foreperson read the sentencing decision five times: “The sentence shall be death.”

Pipkin reportedly showed no emotion as the verdicts were announced. According to 22nd Judicial District Attorney General Brent Cooper, Pipkin had instructed his attorneys not to argue against the death penalty during the sentencing phase.

“There are no winners in cases like this,” Cooper said in a statement following the verdict. “The death penalty won’t bring back the lost loved ones. However, some cases cry out for a form of justice which exceeds all others.”

Cooper recalled responding to the crime scene on October 1, 2021, where a mother, her brother and an 11-year-old girl had been killed.

“When I went to the scene and saw the carnage — a mother, brother and 11-year-old girl, all senselessly slaughtered — I knew this was such a case,” Cooper said.

Cooper thanked the jurors for their service, noting that they had been sequestered and were required to review deeply disturbing evidence throughout the proceedings.

“They served their community heroically,” he said.

The district attorney also expressed sympathy for the victims’ relatives, who attended the trial and were exposed to graphic testimony and evidence.

“My heart goes out to all of the victims’ family members who also heard and saw things no one should have to,” Cooper said. “My hope is that they can begin to heal.”

Cooper praised Assistant District Attorneys Pam Anderson and Jenni Smith for the extensive preparation that went into prosecuting the case. He also recognized Victim Witness Coordinator Christi Dickey for assisting and supporting the victims’ family members throughout the trial.

Investigators Lt. Roscoe Voss, Keith Wrather and Matthew McDonald were also credited for their work processing the crime scene, preserving evidence and testifying in court.

“Maury County is blessed to have investigators of their caliber working for them,” Cooper said.

Cooper concluded his statement by expressing hope that the community will never again experience a case of this nature.

“No one won yesterday,” he said, “but justice was served.”

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.”  

Farm Bureau Federation Honors Legislators (CDH)

The Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation is recognizing 86 members of the Tennessee General Assembly with its new Friend of Farm Bureau Award.

The award highlights legislators who have shown a commitment to agriculture in the state and have built strong relationships with Farm Bureau leadership, according to a press release.

The selection process involved a review of each legislator's voting record on issues where the Farm Bureau took an official position during the 114th Tennessee General Assembly. Legislators who met the voting criteria were then evaluated by their respective Farm Bureau county representatives based on responsiveness to local members, attendance at county Farm Bureau meetings and events, and overall support for the agriculture community.

Among the recipients are Maury County legislators Senator Joey Hensley, Representative Scott Cepicky, and Representative Kip Capley.

The award is not intended to constitute a political endorsement by the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation.

“For more than a century, Tennessee Farm Bureau has believed the strongest public policy begins with relationships and grassroots involvement," Eric Mayberry, president of Tennessee Farm Bureau, said.

"Our inaugural Friend of Farm Bureau class recognizes legislators who have taken the time to engage with our members, understand the challenges facing agriculture and support policies that help farm families succeed."

As farm families navigate a challenging agricultural economy, rapidly evolving technology and regulatory challenges, strong legislative partners are more important than ever, according to the release.

The awards will be presented by each respective county Farm Bureau in the coming weeks.

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.

2027 Midstate Classic Announced (Press Release)

 The City of Columbia is excited to announce that the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers will take on the Belmont University Bruins at the 2027 Midstate Classic on Tuesday, April 13, 2027, at Ridley Sports Complex. 

University of Tennessee Head Coach Karen Weekly said her team is looking forward to returning to Columbia.

"We’re excited to once again be coming to Columbia, TN for the Midstate Classic. Laura Matthews has done a fantastic job building Belmont into an excellent program and we know it will be a great game!”

Belmont University Head Coach Laura Matthews shared her enthusiasm for the opportunity.

"We are so excited to head to Columbia to face Tennessee. It’s a unique experience, and we are excited to compete in front of a community who has really gotten behind softball.”

Now in its 12th year in Columbia, the Midstate Classic has become one of Middle Tennessee's premier spring softball events. 

City Manager Tony Massey said the featured matchup reflects Columbia's continued commitment to hosting premier sporting events.

"The Midstate Classic has become a tradition our community looks forward to each year. Welcoming nationally recognized programs like Tennessee and Belmont showcases the quality of Ridley Sports Complex while creating an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors."

The annual tournament continues to attract outstanding collegiate competition, and the 2027 featured matchup between Tennessee and Belmont promises to be one of the event's most anticipated contests yet.

Mayor Chaz Molder said the event strengthens Columbia's reputation as a destination for high-caliber athletics.

"Hosting programs of this caliber is an exciting opportunity for our community. The Midstate Classic continues to highlight Columbia as a destination for exceptional athletic competition, and we're proud to welcome these outstanding teams to Ridley Sports Complex."

Parks and Recreation Director Mack Reagan said the tournament has become one of the department's signature annual events.

"Hosting the Midstate Classic for the 12th year is a testament to the dedication of our Parks and Recreation team and the outstanding reputation of Ridley Sports Complex. We look forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, and fans for another memorable day of competition."

Additional event information will be shared closer to the tournament date on ColumbiaTN.gov and the City's Facebook and Instagram pages, @CityofColumbiaTN.

Columbia 101 (Press Release)

Have you ever wondered how the City of Columbia operates or wanted to learn more about the people and services that keep our community running? The City of Columbia is now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 session of Columbia 101, an interactive civic engagement program that gives residents an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at their local government.

Designed to educate, engage, and inspire, Columbia 101 offers participants the opportunity to meet City leaders, tour municipal facilities, and experience firsthand how the City's 12 departments work together to serve the community. From public safety and infrastructure to parks, planning, and public services, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the essential work happening every day to make Columbia a great place to live, work, and visit.

The Fall 2026 session will take place Tuesday, September 22, and Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Participants will begin each morning at City Hall before visiting City departments and facilities throughout Columbia, with opportunities to ask questions, engage with City staff, and learn about current projects and future initiatives.

"Columbia is an incredible community because of the people who call it home," said Mayor Chaz Molder. "Columbia 101 gives residents a chance to see firsthand how their local government works, meet the people behind the services they rely on every day, and discover new ways to get involved. Whether you've lived here your entire life or recently made Columbia your home, this program offers a unique opportunity to connect with your city."

A Spring 2026 participant shared their experience, saying, "I loved everything about Columbia 101! It absolutely filled me with community pride to learn all about not only the departments that keep us all running, but to meet the people who are so passionate about what they do. Such an honor!"

Columbia 101 is open to all City of Columbia and Maury County residents and is offered twice each year. Whether you're simply curious about local government, interested in becoming more involved in your community, or looking to build relationships with fellow residents and City leaders, Columbia 101 provides an engaging and informative experience for participants of all backgrounds.

"Columbia 101 creates meaningful conversations between citizens and City staff while helping participants better understand the services, planning, and teamwork that go into serving our community every day," said City Manager Tony Massey.

Program Director Lexi Dearborn added, "Participants consistently tell us they leave with a greater appreciation for the work being done across the City and a stronger connection to their community. If you've ever wanted to know more about how Columbia works, this is the perfect opportunity."

A $25 program fee is required for accepted applicants to help cover the cost of meals, transportation, and program materials.

Applications are available now at www.ColumbiaTN.gov or at the reception desk on the third floor of City Hall. The application deadline is Friday, August 7, 2026.

For questions about Columbia 101, contact Program Director Lexi Dearborn at LDearborn@ColumbiaTN.gov. Follow the City of Columbia on Facebook and Instagram at @CityofColumbiaTN for additional updates and program information.

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.

Mrs. Rose Marie Harris Priest, 94, a lifelong resident of Columbia, passed away Monday, August 3 at Poplar Estates. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, August 6 at 3:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Santa Fe Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mrs. Victoria Vaughn Sweeney, 72, a resident of Spring Hill, died at her residence on Monday, August 3. The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 6 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. A private graveside inurnment will be held at Polk Memorial Columbarium at a later date.

And now, news from around the state…

Election Information (Press Release)

 Secretary of State Tre Hargett wants Tennessee voters to have the information they need before heading to the polls for the Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 State and Federal Primary and State and County General Election.

On Election Day, poll opening times vary by county. Voters should check their polling location and hours before heading to the polls. All polls close at 8 p.m. EDT / 7 p.m. CDT. If you are in line at the time the polls close, you will be allowed to vote. Eligible voters can look up their assigned polling place and hours using GoVoteTN.com or the free GoVoteTN app, available in the App Store or Google Play.

To cast a ballot, voters must bring valid photo identification. A driver's license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee state government or the federal government is acceptable even if it is expired. Student IDs, non-US citizen ID’s and out-of-state driver's licenses are not acceptable. For more information about acceptable forms of identification, visit GoVoteTN.gov.

State law requires polling locations and the area within a 100-foot boundary of each designated entrance to remain campaign-free zones. The display or distribution of campaign materials and the solicitation of votes for or against any candidate, political party or ballot measure on the ballot within this area are prohibited. Voters wearing campaign-related clothing or paraphernalia will not be allowed within the 100-foot boundary.

Tennessee voters are encouraged to report suspected voter fraud or election misinformation to the Secretary of State's Division of Elections. Tennesseans can text "TN" to 45995 to use the Text to Report Voter Fraud system or call the Official Election Day Hotline toll-free at 1-877-850-4959.

The Secretary of State's office will post unofficial election results throughout Election Night on https://elections.tn.gov/. For more information about the Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 election, Tennesseans can access voter-specific Election Day information, including polling times, locations, sample ballots, election results and more, on GoVoteTN.gov or the GoVoteTN app.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Freedom Reigns Ranch Fall Festival & Hoedown is set for Saturday, September 12th, 2026 from 4:30 – 7 pm at Freedom Reigns Ranch (2080 Arthur Hardison Rd, Columbia, Tennessee 38401).

This event is for ALL ages with fun elements for the whole family!

Live Music

Dinner

Photo Booth

Meet The Horses

Tours

Horse Demonstrations

Silent Auction

Bale Bucking Contest

Line Dancing

Games, Crafts, and a whole lot more!! It’s going to be a good ole fashioned Hoedown to raise money for our free-of-charge programs!

Learn more by visiting www.freedomreignsranch.com.