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EA Cox Teacher Faces Long Recovery After Serious Crash on Bear Creek Pike

Issue #744

June 06, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛅️ Columbia’s Saturday Weather - Clouds & sun, then overcast w/ high of 88, low of 68

📰 EA Cox Teacher Faces Long Recovery After Serious Crash on Bear Creek Pike

🎣 Today Is Free Fishing Day Across Tennessee

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

EA Cox Teacher Faces Long Recovery After Serious Crash on Bear Creek Pike

An EA Cox Middle School teacher is facing a long road to recovery after a serious crash on Bear Creek Pike last month that left her with life-altering injuries.

Michele Jones, a seventh-grade social studies teacher at EA Cox, was critically injured in a May 14 accident while driving to school. According to information shared by family members, Jones was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she underwent multiple surgeries to address severe spinal injuries.

Jones has spent nearly two decades teaching students across Middle Tennessee, including stops at North East High School, West Wilson Middle School, Southside Middle School, Smyrna High School, and most recently EA Cox Middle School. Family members describe teaching as more than a profession for Jones, saying she has always viewed the classroom as a place where students can feel supported and encouraged.

Following the crash, doctors initially delivered a difficult prognosis after determining that Jones had suffered significant spinal cord trauma. In the weeks since, however, family members say she has shown encouraging signs of progress during her recovery.

After receiving treatment at Vanderbilt, Jones was transferred to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, a nationally recognized rehabilitation hospital specializing in spinal cord injuries. There, she has begun intensive rehabilitation while continuing to regain sensation and movement.

The accident has generated an outpouring of support from friends, family members, coworkers, students, and the broader community. Staff and supporters from EA Cox Middle School quickly rallied around Jones and her family in the days following the crash, providing encouragement, financial assistance, and other forms of support.

While there is optimism surrounding her recovery, family members say the journey ahead will be lengthy and challenging. In addition to ongoing medical care and rehabilitation, the family is preparing for future expenses that could include specialized medical equipment, home modifications, accessible transportation, and extended therapy.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help offset those costs and support Jones and her family as they navigate the months ahead.

Jones is a Marine Corps veteran, longtime educator, and lifelong Tennessee resident. Those closest to her say she has spent much of her life helping others and are hopeful the community will continue to rally around her during this difficult chapter.

Those interested in learning more about Jones' recovery or contributing to the fundraiser can find additional details through the family's GoFundMe page.

Today Is Free Fishing Day Across Tennessee

If you’ve been wanting to take the family out for a day of fishing, today’s the day!

Tennessee’s 2026 Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day is a day when all state residents and visitors of any age may fish for free without a license in Tennessee’s public waters. Additionally, youth ages 15 or younger may fish for free the entire week, beginning on Free Fishing Day, continuing through the following Friday, June 12.

Every year since 1991, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has offered an annual free fishing opportunity, aiming to introduce children and families to fishing and outdoor recreation. TWRA’s Fisheries Division manages public waters across the state to ensure high-quality and exciting fishing for participants. Fishing is a great family activity that provides an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the natural environment. 

TWRA, numerous communities, and partner organizations have planned special fishing events across the state on Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day and other days. Visit the TWRA Events Page for a full list of locations and details. A special thanks goes to Academy Sports + Outdoors for its continued statewide sponsorship.

Free Fishing Day is named in honor of Bobby Wilson, who retired in 2022 after more than 40 years of service to the TWRA. He served in the Fisheries Division for 35 years before being named TWRA Deputy Director in 2015 and Executive Director in 2020.

Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day and Free Fishing Week apply to Tennessee’s public waters, TWRA-owned and operated lakes, and state park facilities. Some privately owned pay lakes continue to charge during this special day and week. Anglers will need to consult with those operators if there are any questions about the facility.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Saturday, June 6th

Sunday, June 7th

Monday, June 8th 

Tuesday, June 9th

Wednesday, June 10th

More Events Coming Soon!

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Saturday, June 6
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 12–6 PM
Martin Lane - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
Jake Clayton Band - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4 PM
7 X Band - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5–9 PM
Emma Sangnini - Twisted Copper, 7–8:30 PM
Late Bloomers - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Gritz & Glory - The Boondox, 8 PM
Stranger Than Fiction - Embers Tavern & Grille, 8–11 PM
Main Street Vinyl - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM
Micheal Forkuo - Twisted Copper, 8:30–10 PM

Sunday, June 7
Broken Morals Band - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1–5 PM
Todd Ciprian - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 2–5 PM

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