Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-18-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 18, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Multiple People Charged in Overdose Death (WKRN.com)

Four people, including a mother and grandmother, are being charged for their connection to the overdose death of a Maury County teen.

Katelynn Dupont was just 16 years old when she died from an overdose on Dec. 14, 2024. Approximately four months later, on April 10, the Maury County Sheriff’s Department made multiple arrests in Dupont’s case.

A multi-count indictment reports that four people, including the teen’s mother Casey Bankhead and grandmother Nancy Bankhead, have been arrested in connection to the overdose.

Casey and Nancy were reportedly charged with aggravated child neglect and first-degree murder.

According to the charging document, the women “unlawfully and knowingly neglected a child under 18 years of age, so as to adversely affect the child’s health and welfare, and the act of neglect resulted in serious bodily injury.”

Jerry Durham is being held in the Maury County jail facing six charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, two counts of aggravated statutory rape, one count of aggravated child neglect and possession of meth.

During the interview with News 2’s Andy Cordan, Durham stated that the drugs that killed Katelynn Dupont came from her mother.

The fourth person indicted in connection to Dupont’s death has been identified as 43-year-old Jessica Estes. She is charged with second-degree murder.

The mother of two adult children acknowledged that she has a history of drug dealing, but said she doesn’t deal to children and she didn’t deal the drugs that killed Katelynn Dupont.

Both Nancy and Casey Bankhead have since been released from jail on bond. No additional details were immediately released.

Homicide Investigation (Press Release)

An 18-year-old is facing several charges for his connection to a shooting at a Columbia home that resulted in the death of another teen Tuesday afternoon.

The Columbia Police Department said officers were sent to a home along Whatley Street at approximately 5:30 p.m. to respond to a reported shooting.

Upon their arrival, officials reportedly discovered 18-year-old Jayden Braden unresponsive, suffering from “multiple gunshot wounds.”

According to authorities, Braden was taken to Maury County Regional Medical Center, where he later died.

After following up on investigative leads, officers said they were able to identify the suspect as 18-year-old Alijah Wolflin. He was later found at a residence in Columbia and taken into custody.

Records show Wolflin was charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent felony, reckless endangerment, and aggravated assault resulting in death.

Police added the teens were “associates and there is no active or ongoing threats to public safety regarding this incident.”

Mayor Chaz Molder issued a statement about Tuesday’s shooting, which reads in part:

As a community, we come together in the good times and in difficult times. That is what defines us. That’s who we are.

Liz and I are heartbroken by recent events in Columbia, including the loss of life of one who had a lot of life left to live; and for all of those who are impacted by this loss and tragic event — particularly the high school aged population who knew the situation.

A statement from Maury County Public Schools said the district extends thoughts and prayers to the Central High School community, family and friends.

No additional details were immediately released.

Walmart Coming to Honey Farms (CDH)

The Columbia Planning Commission has approved preliminary plans for a Neighborhood Walmart to be constructed in the Honey Farms subdivision off Nashville Highway, next to a proposed McDonald's.

Walmart presented a request for preliminary planned unit development at Nashville Highway and Honey Farm Way on April 9, which consisted of a few details as to how the new big box retail store will compare to others.

The store won't be a typical Walmart superstore like the existing Columbia location off Brookemeade Drive and James Campbell Parkway, but rather a smaller 40,000 square-foot facility the brand has begun to utilize in smaller communities.

"Overall, working with the applicants on the site plan, they did come very far in meeting our ordinance standards regarding [fronting], parking lot orientation and overall design," City Planner Austin Brass said. "From my understanding, this is a new prototype store. It is not a traditional neighborhood market ... but a little larger, but not a supercenter."

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder later asked if the plan also included connectivity for traffic and/or pedestrians. Brass said there are plans to add an additional internal drive to the front of the store, which will connect with Leafcutter Bee Way behind a proposed McDonald's adjacent to the parcel.

"There is a stub-out to the north of the property where the buffer is," Brass said. "What that does is set up a development standard to when that property to the north develops, we have a true internal drive section built up, which in turn helps reduce conflicts onto Nashville Highway."

Much of the April 9 discussion focused on the suggested variances the Planned Unit Development could allow, as well as concerns over signage, particularly to the back of the building.

Vice Mayor Randy McBroom ultimately motioned for the planning commission to approve the preliminary development plans, with the condition that the store's south side signage be removed.

"I appreciate the way it looks, because it doesn't look like a Walmart, but more like a medical building," Vice Mayor Randy McBroom said. "I think it will fit really well with the McDonald's next to it. I think this is what we are trying to grasp in that area, because this isn't your normal looking Walmart. I think it will be a plus up there with the two-story look."

Molder added that the project is "another example of seeing the zoning ordinance work to get a very good product."

"Just as importantly, we are getting a much-needed retail center in this area of north Columbia," Molder said. "I am proud to support this motion."

The vote was ultimately 5-1, with Planning Commissioner James Sloan opposing.

Columbia Dam Project Being Mulled (CDH)

As the need for solutions to Maury County's utility needs becomes more apparent, a local group is looking into the past for potential answers to protecting the region's future.

Columbia Dam Now, a grassroots action group, held its first public meeting this week to raise awareness for revisiting the former long-time defunct Columbia Dam project.

The project, which dates back to the early 1970s and was initiated by the Tennessee Valley Authority, was halted in 1983 due to its potential environmental impact on the Duck River and other contributing factors.

Jerry Bridenbaugh, who also serves as a Maury County Commissioner, and Jason Gilliam, who chair and vice-chair the Columbia Dam Now board, hosted Tuesday's meeting, sharing the many benefits the dam would pose for Maury County, as well as the surrounding region's growing water needs.

"This reservoir, when it comes to fruition, will be 12,000 acres, and Tim's Ford is 10,000 acres," Bridenbaugh said. "This is a 100-year solution to solve the water supplies for this county and the surrounding counties. When this thing gets built up, we won't have to buy water anymore, we can sell water."

In 1989, TVA demolished the unfinished dam, removing approximately 26,000 cubic yards of concrete and reshaping the basin to resemble its original state. The project's total expenditure by the time of deconstruction totaled approximately $85 million.

Gilliam, who also sits on the Maury County Water System board, added that the utility will also soon be connecting to a new H.B. & T.S. pipeline drawing from the Cumberland River, which will provide additional relief to the Duck.

Gilliam also shared personal ties to the former Columbia Dam project, and those directly affected by its dismantling.

"My grandparents' farm was one of the farms that had part of it taken from the TVA for this project," Gilliam said. "The economic viability of a project like this and the growth we would experience here economically is astronomical."

"None of that compares to the long-term pain that families have carried here for generations after having their land taken from them on a promise of a lake being built."

The Maury County Commission is set to review the dam project at its April 21 meeting, when the board will vote on whether it will provide support.

Commissioner Gabe Howard, who resides in District 2 where the reservoir is located, shared his support for the project.

"I am all in on this project, and I think it is a good additional opportunity for us to keep exploring and make happen," Howard said. "I would encourage local folks to continue the conversation, look at every option."

Columbia Dam Now also recently launched a website at www.ColumbiaDamNow.com, which provides information about the project's history, ways to donate and news about upcoming meetings.

Funding for the project would also need to come largely from federal support. Rick Williams, representing U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tennessee, 5th District, has also been a leading voice of support for revitalizing the former project.

"It should have never been taken down, and we are going to get it back," Williams said. "Now is the time, if there ever was a time, to rebuild it. You need water more than ever, and then there are the recreational benefits, the boating and fishing. It would be great."

A feasibility study would be required before any dirt can be shoveled, which could take years to complete.

In an April 9 Facebook post, Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt shared her concerns on the project's likelihood.

"What the Dam group is going to need is at least our two U.S. Senators, TVA and maybe even the President to champion the project," Butt states. "Even at that, any future administration could nix the project on a whim as we have already found out.

"So that’s where we are realistically. If that money is even appropriated, it will take 10 years for feasibility studies, environmental studies and millions of dollars to ever get the go ahead."

Bridenbaugh commented on the feasibility study Tuesday, saying that the next step is seeking assistance from Ogles' office in expediting the process, though it could take influence from even greater leaders to ensure the job gets done.

"The landscape has changed, and we need to make sure this is all done right," Bridenbaugh said. "But I will say this, we have a guy in the White House who believes in getting things done and getting them done now. That's what we are working towards both as a local group and on the federal level as well."

There are also the environmental aspects which contributed to the project halt in 1983 to consider, and if this project would again pose a potential danger to the Duck River's biodiversity.

"We know there are people we can contact ... to be a source where we can get those types of answers," Bridenbaugh said. "One of the suggestions made to us was to get some marine experts possibly from the University of Tennessee or the other institutions around the state who will help us be able to dig into [the environmental impact]."

Gilliam added that the Maury County Archives has collected an extensive number of documents and information related to the project, which is in the process of being reviewed.

"We have eight banker's boxes of paperwork related to the original project, and we are sifting through that now," Gilliam said.

Columbia Dam Now's next meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. on April 22 at the Maury County Water System office at 765 Lewisburg Highway.

New Columbia Mall Taking Shape (CDH)

As the previous Columbia mall site off James M. Campbell Boulevard continues to take shape, developers are now attempting to create better connectivity as the shopping center's first businesses prepare to open.

The site, which had for years remained undeveloped and considered by many to be an eyesore, appeared on the Columbia Planning Commission's agenda earlier this month.

Plans indicate shops in the development, thus far, would include Ulta cosmetics, Wing Stop restaurant, an America's Best eyewear store, Bath & Body Works and Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Property owners Highland Capital also presented a request to use an existing driveway to provide safer access for pedestrians adjacent to the proposed 12,113 square-foot retail center.

"Without having existing sidewalk on Shady Brook Street or any sort of crosswalk at James Campbell leading pedestrians up to that area with nowhere to go was a safety concern," Preston Ayer of SWS Engineering, the principal engineers on the project, said. "Our feeling was how can we add pedestrian safety within the site?"

In addition, the proposed improvements could also provide opportunities for connectivity to future development sites in the area.

"This is essentially getting us a sidewalk that is not as far as what we would require, but on the other hand is actually getting us a sidewalk to connect to the parcels already there in existence," Mayor Chaz Molder said. "So, we are solving a problem that's there today instead of putting sidewalks to a problem that's not there yet."

"This is a long-term goal for us, and we want to make sure this is something that all connects, but we are trying to do it at a time that makes sense," Highland Capital Principal Wyatt Woeltje said. "That's why we are trying to connect it to the main mall property at this time. What I don't want to do is build something only to tear it back up as the developments come in."

During the April 9 meeting, Woeltje spoke about the progress the mall has made since the December 2024 purchase, including shops customers can expect.

"We very much are excited about what is coming," Woeltje said. "We have Academy Sports, Ulta Beauty and Bealls coming in. Wing Stop is legitimate, as is Bath & Body Works, America's Best and Tropical Smoothie. We are pushing very hard to strike while the iron is hot."

In addition, Woeltje said 7 Brew Coffee and Valvoline are among other companies ready to move into the site.

"Those are coming along quickly as well," he said.

In addition to a new sidewalk and shops, the mall's overall visual aesthetic is set to have a few changes.

"We just renovated that pilon sign that was previously at Columbia Powersports, and it is now separated into multi-panel tenant spaces, and so hopefully every single tenant will have panels on that pilon," Woeltje said. "It is now fully finished. That is our goal, to take what's been given to us by Hull property group and make it better."

While there was much discussion about the site's future, much of which remains is unknown in regards to connectivity and development of adjacent Highland Capital-owned properties, Molder concluded the April 9 discussion.

"These guys are clearly invested in this site, and they are going to want connectivity, to be able to require connectivity from their tenants because they know it's going to make better sense for their property as whole," Molder said. "This would provide immediate walkability from a new outparcel that's going to have four tenants, maybe five, to the major property."

Molder later motioned to approve the request, which received a 4-2 vote in favor by the planning commission.

Central Students Get Scholarship (MSM)

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder and members of the James Craig Foundation recently had the honor of presenting scholarships to seniors at Columbia Central High School. These scholarships were made possible through the James Craig Foundation, which was established by Dr. James Craig, a 1951 graduate of CHS, and his wife, Bobbie Craig.

For over 20 years, the foundation has played a pivotal role in supporting CHS students, providing scholarships and contributing to various operations at the school. Dr. Craig’s lasting legacy continues to positively impact Columbia Central High School, making a difference in the lives of students year after year.

The 2025 scholarship recipients were Tre’Veonte Martin, Ke’Veontae Martin, Kayla Crawford, Angie Lin and Macie Bonet.

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

Jo Carolyn Allen Lovell, 81, died Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Michael Lee Dale “Big Daddy”, 60, Truck Driver for Marlene’s Express, and resident of Williamsport, died Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

A visitation will be held Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will have a celebration of life at a later date. 

And now, news from around the state…

State Budget Passes (Tennessean)

Tennessee lawmakers approved a $59.8 billion state budget for the year, reallocating $180 million from Gov. Bill Lee's priorities to their own initiatives.

The passage of the budget in the House and Senate on April 16, a major task for the Tennessee General Assembly, moves lawmakers closer toward adjourning the legislative session.

Lawmakers eliminated $60 million in funding for a major starter home initiative proposed by Lee, and yanked $35 million from another high-profile effort to regionalize conservation of the Duck River, which Lee touted during his annual State of the State address. The Duck River project will still be funded by $90 million.

A number of smaller funds Lee hoped to grant to non-profit initiatives were also eliminated.

The final budget included funding for a $447 million statewide private school voucher program, new funding for Hurricane Helene relief, and $1 billion in one-time funding for road projects ― continuing to chip away at the state's $38 billion backlog.

Republican leaders touted the state's fiscal stability, low per-capita tax burden, and no debt while championing the spending bill on Wednesday.

Democrats were quick to point out that the budget includes ― for the first time in years ― issuance of more than $1 billion in bonds to cover the state's expenses amid flattening tax revenues.

The House passed the budget 79 to 16, with one member voting present. The Senate voted 30 to 2.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

On Friday, April 18, 7:30pm, The Mulehouse, located at 812 S. High St, Columbia, will host Darren Knight, the comedic sensation from Munford, Alabama, whose “Southern Momma” character has taken the South—and the nation—by storm. With a massive social media following, Darren Knight delivers laughter and unforgettable entertainment wherever he performs.

GUEST COMEDIANS:

• Red Squirrel

• Gary Cargal

• DJ Slim McGraw

For more information visit www.themulehouse.com