Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-4-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for September 4, 2026

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

We start with local news…

Spring Hill Man Wanted in Ohio Stabbing (Fox17.com)

Authorities are searching for a 22-year-old man wanted in connection with a stabbing that left someone fighting for their life.

Scioto County, Ohio Sheriff David Thoroughman said deputies started looking for Rodney White Jr., late of Spring Hill, after a victim showed up at Wheelersburg Urgent Care with multiple stab wounds on Aug. 8. The sheriff’s office said the victim was hurt during an altercation and emergency crews used a medical helicopter to rush them to an out-of-town hospital, where they remain listed in critical condition.

Detectives processed the scene, reviewed security footage, and spoke with several witnesses.

During their investigation, they filed for warrants for White, who is described as an African American man about 6'0" tall with longer hair and glasses and whose last known address is in Spring Hill.

Investigators say there are active warrants for attempted murder and felonious assault and warn White should be considered armed and dangerous.

Sheriff David Thoroughman also said additional charges are expected to be presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury later.

Anyone with information about Rodney White Jr. or this case is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.

Public Land Use Meetings Planned (MSM)

Maury County’s advisory committee on land use has agreed to hold a series of weekly public work sessions in September before the subdivision moratorium expires on Oct. 1 to finalize a land use map for the county.

The committee will meet every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in September in an effort to review and finalize the land use map for a different quadrant of Maury County each week.

Liz Fields, of the consulting firm McBride Dale Clarion, showed the committee how her firm applied public input to create the zoning options and land use map she presented. Fields first relayed that the county presented McBride Dale Clarion with four goals they want the new categories and zoning map to facilitate:

1. To allow the county’s economic-development staff to court a sustainable, diverse portfolio of taxpaying businesses;

2. To create a range of “good job” opportunities for locals;

3. To improve relationships and collaboration with Maury County’s cities and with local, regional and state development organizations;

4. To add dollars to the “rural economy” by means like agritourism and farmland preservation.

To do this, McBride Dale Clarion proposed six land-use categories to apply to non-municipal county land. In ascending order of density and intensive use, the categories are as follows.

1. Agriculture and Conservation zoning for low-density, low-intensity rural and residential uses like farming and ranching, forestry, conservation and recreation, and residential lots with a five-acre minimum.

2. Rural Residential zoning allows for more residential density of one lot per acre, but its uses are almost identical to those of Agriculture and Conservation. The guidelines prescribe that it should “should maintain the County’s rural character by… limiting the intensity of development and providing transitions between more intensively developed areas and the county’s agricultural and conservation lands.”

3. Rural Community zoning is intended for what Fields called Maury County’s “crossroads communities” or “hamlets:” small historic settlements with clusters of housing and a main street or a few stores. Fitting development in a hamlet would facilitate life and work there without overwhelming its character.

4. Corridor Commercial zoning allows for islands of commerce and services that serve the needs of the nearby residents, but not major strip mall complexes like Cool Springs or the Crossings in Spring Hill.

5. Employment zones would feature more industrial and professional spaces, including offices, factories, warehouses and corporate campuses, than Corridor Commercial would.

6. Regional Interchange zones, restricted to areas surrounding the interchanges to major highways, would include amenities serving travelers and office, commercial and light industrial uses.

Committee members and public commenters at the meeting expressed strong opinions about some proposed new zonings and use restrictions, with several supporting the creation of green belts and preservation areas.

“Tennessee [is] an agriculture state, and we live in an agriculture county… A nation [or]… county that can’t feed people is a nightmare,” said preservation activist Teresa Sparks.

Sparks proposed the county allow for farm preservation by either creating a green belt or encouraging Agricultural Preservation easements, and called upon the county to simplify the application process for the latter.

“I’m pretty concerned that the Advisory Committee has been receiving a biased and incomplete picture of [public opinion],” countered Kevin Beier, a rancher of 18 years with 500 breeding cattle on 200 acres.

Beier predicted designating much of the county Agriculture and Preservation might be unnecessary or counterproductive. The deep county, far from most infrastructure and services, would be a poor place for cash-grab development, he argued, and a five-acre minimum too close to the municipalities would cause sprawl. “Downzoning” people’s land would also hurt resale value and could allow developers to scoop up artificially cheap land, he said.

“I don’t want my kids to lose a lot of potential funds in the future… [and] I think it may have the opposite [effect] of what people want,” Bier told the committee.

Local realtor Dave Townsend said while he likes the idea of agricultural preservation, imposing a five-acre minimum on most of the county — as the initial draft of the map proposed — would cause suburban sprawl to explode outward and make residential lots radically unaffordable for most people, since he’s seen five-acre lots listed for $250,000 or more.

“Property rights don’t exist in a vacuum,” replied Chris Gramling, another preservationist. While he agreed with Townsend that lots nearer to cities shouldn’t be subject to a five-acre minimum, Gramling pointed to Leiper’s Fork as an example of a place where “downzoning” created one of the most desired and highly valued living places in the state. He also pointed out that the Agriculture and Preservation zoning doesn’t carry an absolute five-acre minimum, since it allows tract owners to carve off smaller lots for family divisions like inheritance and family housing.

Environmental attorney Dustin Kittle argued the county should draw the land use plan based on data from ground-level research and aerial photography. “I think we need to do an audit of what we’ve got now, as far as the land’s concerned,” he said.

Fields suggested the committee draw one or two maps, based on data, with either hard borders or wide buffers between zones that should and shouldn’t be developable.

District 1 County Commissioner Jerry Strahan declined to draw such borders or buffers or fix the classification of each parcel at their Aug. 25 meeting. “This group is not a planning commission… [with] the experience… to put [a perfect land use map] together,” he reminded his colleagues.

The committee agreed with Strahan and stepped back from drafting the entire land use map that night, but members committed to doing so over the coming month before the subdivision moratorium ends Oct. 1.

The committee decided to hold weekly public input meetings every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in September and to email map ideas to Fields in the meantime.

After scheduling the northeast quadrant on Sept. 3, they agreed to tackle the southeast quadrant on Sept. 10, the southwest on Sept. 17 and the northwest on Sept. 24. All the September meetings will be open to the public.

The committee also expressed hope to draw more participation and information from the public — something Fields noted is one of the hardest parts of the land-use planning process. She encouraged committee members to take the initiative in generating interest.

“There’s always the ability to reach more people, if the county wants to spend the resources to do that,” she told the committee. “But somebody has to be knocking on doors or standing with flyers. People have to get out in the community and do that.”

Maury County Fair (MSM)

The 2026 Maury County Fair & Exposition returns Sept. 3-7 to the Maury County Park fairgrounds for five “Starry Nights & Midway Lights” themed fun.

This year’s Maury County Fair combines traditional attractions with new thrilling action. Fairgoers can enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, blue ribbons, fair food favorites, plus, rodeo and motocross competitions.

Fair board president Randy Zeigler also wants to remind everyone about what makes the Maury County Fair different from other typical county fairs.

“We are 100 percent non-profit,” Zeigler said. “All of us are volunteers. We don’t get paid. None of us do. And last year when the fair was over, we gave over $90,000 back to 24 charities just in Maury County,” Zeigler said.

Attendance has grown steadily alongside the county’s population boom. Last year drew around 30,000 visitors, and Zeigler is hoping to hit 35,000 this year.

The fair opened Thursday, Sept. 3, with Columbia’s own country artist Shane Profitt headlining opening night. Profitt also served as Grand Marshal for the rodeo that same evening. One lucky fan walked away with a guitar signed by Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean and Profitt himself.

Friday brings the tractor and truck pull, featuring two new classes added this year: mini mods with V8 engines and two-wheel-drive V8 pullers. It is also Senior Day offering free admission for 55 and over.

Saturday is Motocross night, with Sunday and Monday rounding out the week with Jump N Run competitions.

First-time fairgoers will notice upgrades at the front gate. New ticket booths, painted by Columbia mural artist Kristen Seibold in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, will double the number of staff taking admissions to help move lines faster.

Admission is $15 for ages 13 and up and covers all arena events. Children 12 and under get in free, and parking is always free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at maurycountyfair.org.

Friday morning brings My Day At The Fair, a dedicated fair experience for special needs individuals of all ages, their families and caregivers. The program grew from 80 to 100 participants in its first year to nearly 1,300 last year.

One of the fair’s most anticipated events isn’t in the arena. The My Day 5K, held Saturday morning at 8 a.m. at Maury County Park, benefits the King’s Daughter School and Special Olympics Columbia. The run drew more than 200 participants in its first year and generated more than $6,000 for those organizations.

While rides require ticket purchases, families can take advantage of the free Kids Zone offering pony rides, face painting, balloon art and a jump house at no additional cost.

Be sure to check out the agriculture and home centered exhibits to see who won blue ribbons for entries ranging from crops to canned goods to fine arts and crafts.

The Maury County Fair & Exposition actively supports local youth agriculture by allocating thousands of dollars and awards to local FFA and 4-H exhibitors each year. This year, eight FFA junior fair board members will compete for two $1,500 scholarships awarded after the fair concludes.

Gates open at 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and at 1 p.m. Saturday through Monday. Full schedule and advance tickets are available online at maurycountyfair.org. The Maury County Park fairgrounds are located at 1018 Maury County Park Drive in Columbia.

Maury Regional Advanced Robotics and Welcomes Neurologist (Press Release)

 Maury Regional Health has expanded diagnostic capabilities for lung health with the addition of the Ion® robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system. The advanced technology from Intuitive is designed to help physicians reach small or hard-to-reach lung nodules that are difficult to biopsy with traditional methods. Maury Regional Health is the only health system offering this technology in southern Middle Tennessee along the I-65 corridor between Nashville, Tennessee and Huntsville, Alabama.

“Early detection and diagnosis can make a tremendous difference for patients facing lung cancer,” said Martin Chaney, MD, CEO of Maury Regional Health. “By investing in Ion robotic technology, we’re empowering our physicians with tools to find and diagnose lung disease much sooner, when treatment is most effective. This technology represents an important advancement in our ability to provide sophisticated, potentially life-changing care close to home.”

Lung nodules are small areas of abnormal tissue in the lung that can appear as spots on an imaging scan. When a nodule appears suspicious, physicians may recommend a biopsy to determine whether cancer is present. Nodules located deep within the lung or in peripheral areas can be difficult to reach with traditional biopsy approaches, making it more challenging to obtain tissue for diagnosis.

Jon L. Freels, MD, a pulmonologist at Maury Regional Health, performed the first Ion procedure, marking the technology’s first use at the health system.

“The Ion technology enables us to identify and biopsy smaller nodules earlier, which can lead to an earlier and often more treatable diagnosis,” said Dr. Freels. “Our goal is to get answers for our patients as quickly and safely as possible so we can determine what we’re dealing with and, when necessary, begin planning treatment.”

Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy provides physicians with a computer-generated map of the patient’s airways and a navigational path, as well as a small flexible catheter that is guided toward a suspicious nodule. The Ion® approach is minimally invasive, performed under anesthesia and allows most patients to return home the same day.

The Ion system’s ultrathin, flexible catheter, guided by three-dimensional airway mapping and shape-sensing navigation technology, allows physicians to reach targeted nodules deep within the lung and obtain tissue for testing.

Ion® Robotic Bronchoscopy uses a flexible catheter guided by three-dimensional airway mapping and shape-sensing navigation technology to reach targeted nodules deep within the lung and obtain tissue for testing. The minimally invasive procedure is performed under general anesthesia and allows most patients to return home the same day.

“Until now, patients had to travel to Nashville or Huntsville for this type of diagnostic procedure,” said Chaney. “Adding the Ion system enables us to offer this advanced diagnostic capability right here at Maury Regional Health, making it easier for patients in our region to access the care they need without traveling outside the area.”

The Ion system joins Maury Regional Health’s growing portfolio of robotic and advanced surgical technologies, expanding the diagnostic and treatment capabilities available to patients throughout the region.

To learn more about technologies and capabilities at Maury Regional Health, visit www.mauryregional.com.

In other Maury Regional News…Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) Neurology is pleased to announce the addition of Joseph K. Vaughan Jr., MD. Dr. Vaughan joins Chaohua Yan, MD, in providing specialized neurological care to the southern Middle Tennessee region.

 Dr. Vaughan earned his medical degree, completed his residency and also completed a fellowship in Neurophysiology at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia.

 MRMG Neurology is located in the Maury Regional Plaza, Suite 203, at 854 W. James Campbell Blvd. in Columbia, Tennessee. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Patients seeking an appointment must have a physician’s order.

For a complete list of services or to learn more, please call 931.490.7348 or visit MauryRegional.com/MRMGNeurology.

Siren Test (MauryCountySource)

The City of Columbia will conduct a citywide tornado siren test Saturday, Sept. 5, at 1 p.m.

The test will be a brief, low-volume “growl” test designed to make sure the city’s outdoor warning sirens and related equipment are working properly.

Columbia will now conduct tornado siren tests on the first Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. Future test dates will be announced by the city.

The sirens are used during tornado warnings issued by the National Weather Service and when a specific threat has been identified. Because the sirens are designed to warn people outdoors, they may not be heard inside buildings.

The city encourages residents to use multiple ways to receive emergency alerts, including the free Hyper-Reach emergency alert system, which sends severe weather and other emergency notifications to mobile phones and landlines.

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

Glen Dorris Rodgers passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He was 82 years old.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 5th at 2:30 PM at the Hendersonville Church of

There will be a visitation for family and friends at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee on Sunday, September 6th from 1:00-2:30 PM. Interment will follow the visitation at Delk Cemetery in Williamsport, Tennessee 

Margaret Susan Kinzer Ivey, age 85, passed away on August 28, 2026, at Poplar Estates in Columbia, Tennessee.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 5, at Williamsport United Methodist Church at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Williamsport Cemetery, located behind the church. Visitation will be held at the church for two hours prior to the service.

Keilyn Marquise Osborne, 23, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Sunday, August 30, 2026.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Elsie Faye Johnson Seals, 90, of Columbia, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care.

Graveside services will be conducted Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Williamsport Cemetery 

Mr. Jamie William Randolph Hawkins, 53, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Zenita Ann Bartlett, 83, of Columbia, Tennessee, died Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

Earnest Allen Bailey, 72, of Culleoka, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Oakes and Nichols is assisting the family with arrangements.

And now, news from around the state… 

Hospital Worker Accused of Sexual Assault (Tennessean)

A former TriStar Centennial Medical Center social worker is charged with sexually assaulting two patients and state agents believe additional women may have been victimized, according to investigators.

On Sept. 1, Robert Bailey, 54, who now lives in Florida, was arrested at his workplace, Jupiter Medical Center, by deputies with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. He is expected to be extradited soon back to Tennessee.

Bailey remained in custody in a Palm Beach jail Sept. 2 without a known attorney and was not reachable by The Tennessean for comment.

A Davidson County grand jury indicted Bailey Aug. 6 on one count of rape and one count of sexual battery involving two patients at TriStar Centennial Medical Center, according to a release by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Bailey worked at the Nashville hospital as a social worker from March 2022 through June 2025, according to his LinkedIn page, which states that he is a U.S. Army veteran with 15 years of experience in hospital emergency rooms, transitional housing programs and veteran support organizations.

"I specialize in psychosocial assessments, discharge planning, crisis intervention and connecting individuals and families with the resources they need for sustainable stability," he wrote, adding that he is known for empathy.

In June 2025, state agents began investigating allegations of sexual misconduct involving Bailey that allegedly occurred between Sept. 24, 2024, and April 28, 2025, when he worked at the hospital.

"Investigators believe Bailey may have victimized additional women," according to the TBI release. "They are asking anyone with information regarding possible crimes to come forward."

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Some of country music’s biggest names will gather in Nashville this fall to celebrate the career and legacy of Country Music Hall of Fame member Ray Stevens.

Don’t Look, Ethel! A Salute to the Musical Genius of Ray Stevens will take place Monday, Nov. 9, at the Grand Ole Opry, bringing together stars from country, gospel, comedy and entertainment for a one-night-only tribute.

The lineup includes Ricky Skaggs, Ronnie Milsap, Jamey Johnson, Gretchen Wilson, Mark Chesnutt, The Gatlin Brothers, Lee Greenwood, Collin Raye, Darryl Worley, Dailey & Vincent, Mark Wills, Billy Dean, Jeff Bates, Deborah Allen and Cledus T. Judd, who will also host the event. Additional performers are expected to be announced.

Tickets are available at www.opry.com.