Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-29-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 29, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Road Closed for Accident (MauryCountySource)

Beechcroft Road in Spring Hill was closed for an extended period of time between Dr. Robertson Road and Petty Lane yesterday, due to a dump truck rollover with minor injuries.

The truck was hauling asphalt when it became unstable and rolled off the roadway. The roadway was also damaged from the incident. No further information on the injuries is available.

Four Charged in Overdose Death of Teen (MSM)

Four people have been charged with murder, with three of those facing other charges, in the Dec. 14, 2024, overdose death of 16-year-old Katelynn Dupont, including her mother, grandmother and mother’s ex-boyfriend.

Casey Leann Bankhead and Nancy Darlene Bankhead, the girl’s relatives, were arrested on March 18, 2025, for one count apiece of aggravated child neglect and first-degree murder, for allegedly neglecting Katelynn’s welfare on the night of her death.

Jessica Estes was charged with second-degree murder around the same time for allegedly carrying the drugs on which Katelynn overdosed, which she and Jerry Durham denied to the press.

Durham, the last to be arrested on April 12, has been charged with first- and second-degree murder, aggravated child neglect, drug possession and statutory rape. He denied guilt for any of the charges in an interview with Main Street Maury, claiming that he and the Bankheads were only present in the house when Katelynn overdosed.

“All I know is, she went into seizures and died. I was on the phone with 911, I tried everything I could do to save that girl’s life,” Durham said. “All those charges are bogus… Ain’t no way I ever touched that girl sexually… [and] they never found no drugs on me or… near me.”

Both Bankheads have been arraigned, with Casey Bankhead next scheduled to appear in court on June 4 and Nancy Bankhead on July 9. Casey’s bond was set at $100,000 and Nancy’s at $250,000.

Durham was scheduled to be arraigned on April 25 and Estes is scheduled to appear in court on June 4.

Spring Hill Approves 400 Home Development (MSM)

The Spring Hill Planning Commission gave its approval to a neighborhood concept plan for a portion of the June Lake property totaling 400 dwelling units during the group’s April 14 meeting.

Located at Buckner Lane and Spring Station Drive, the 95-acre property would contain 267 single-family detached units, 52 two-family units and 81 townhomes.

At March’s work session, planners had asked the applicant to increase the size of the lots on the exterior to mirror lot sizes in the Wades Grove development. Staff reports indicated that the property would have connections to Spring Stations Drive, a pedestrian connection to Chapmans Crossings and a future collectors roadway extension to June Lake Boulevard.

Commissioner Jonathan Duda expressed concerns about the connectivity to Spring Station Drive, saying Williamson County Schools had sent a letter opposing such connectivity.

“We need that connection; it’s critical for the road network for your new lots as well as Wades Grove,” Duda said. “The alternative is for traffic to be pushed through other areas of the city to get to Spring Station Middle School.”

Commissioner James Golias asked about a previous version of the concept that had slightly fewer lots but had more potential connection points.

“Chapmans Crossing acts more like a connector/arterial (road). There’s essentially, in Wades Grove, no drives on that road and there’s a lot of traffic through there… Having one connection in the rear as is currently shown, there’s going to be a lot of extra traffic going through the neighborhood than if we could get this connection,” Golias said.

Duda’s proposed amendment to require a stubout for future connectivity on the southwest portion of the property was approved as well.

T-Square Engineering also received final plat approval for Barton Hills Phase 1C, located on Cleburne Road. The property will have 65 single-family lots on 41.46 acres.

Image Studios received site plan approval for a one-story hair salon at the northwest corner of June Lake and Marston Avenue. The building would be approximately 7,735 square feet.

Site plan approval was also given for a proposed Valvoline oil change facility at the intersection of J.W Parkway and Old Port Royal Road South, subject to staff approval of a retaining wall on the site.

A proposal from Crunk Engineering for eight retail and warehouse facilities on 5.31 acres on Beechcroft Road was deferred after objections from staff and questions from commissioners.

Items approved as part of the consent agenda included a recommendation to extend the preliminary development plan for the Spring Hill Commerce Center by one year. Staff indicated that the extension was needed because of delays with federal funding, the unavailability of potable water service and the need to update the Traffic Impact Study.

Proposed changes to the city’s Unified Development Code were also recommended for approval, including updates to food truck regulations and creating standards for such trucks, along with adopting a drought-tolerant tree list.

Both items must be approved by the city’s Board of Mayor & Aldermen before taking effect.

Hampshire School Helps MRMC Foundation (Press Release)

For the third consecutive year, the business management and accounting classes at Hampshire Unit School have donated $1,000 to support the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation. Each year, these classes design and sell breast cancer awareness T-shirts with proceeds benefiting the Foundation’s Women’s Center Fund.

“The purpose of these classes is to teach students important life skills including how to manage a business from inventory to accounting, but we also encourage them to give back to their community” said Business Management Instructor Webb Williams. “We chose the Women’s Center fund of the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation because this disease has impacted our community greatly. My wife lost a mother and paternal grandmother to breast cancer, so I am personally aware of the needs of the patients. My students wanted to help those close to home because they wanted to see their funds in action. This allows them to see the results of their hard work.”

The Women’s Center Fund supports women who are battling and recovering from cancer. It provides funding for comfort supplies, such as wigs, various headpieces, camisoles and lymphedema garments, educational resources and programs that improve the quality of care for patients. The fund ensures women in the community receive personalized care and support during their health care journey.

“We are grateful to Hampshire Unit School for their consistent support,” said Foundation Executive Director Rita Thompson. “Breast cancer affects one in eight women. Support for the Women’s Center Fund allows us to ease some of the burden for those battling cancer thanks to generous donors throughout our community.”

Since 2006, the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation has funded more than $5.1 million in programs and services benefiting community members in need. Learn more about the Foundation at MauryRegional.com/Foundation.

CPWS To Reinstate Late Fees (Press Release)

 Beginning May 1, Columbia Power & Water Systems (CPWS) customers will once again begin to see late fees on their bills, and past due customers may be subject to disruption of service.

CPWS moved to a new billing system in December 2024, prompting the suspension of fees and cutoffs, to allow consumers to create new online accounts and have time to understand the SmartHub platform now utilized by CPWS.

Customers who are 30, 60, 90 or more days past due will continue seeing emails and letters in their mailbox to alert them of the past due balance.

“This system implementation was a massive undertaking by our staff, and now that we’ve had time to adjust on our end and we’ve given our ratepayers a chance to become familiar with the system, we will begin to reinstate penalties for those who are behind on their bills,” CPWS CEO Jonathan Hardin said. “While we are obligated by the TVA to collect outstanding debt, we are also committed to taking care of our customers, and we will do anything we can to make this a smooth transition.”

Payment arrangements for customers who have bills more than $500 past due can be made when paying the most recent bill on an account in May. For customers who are less than $500 past due, the past due balance will be subject to normal CPWS policy.

While power and water bills are combined into one bill, CPWS PowerNet broadband customers will be billed separately, meaning while some consumers may have paid their utility bills as normal, the broadband portion of the bills may not have been paid and could be past due.

To stay as up to date as possible with your bill, CPWS customers can register for SmartHub, which offers the ability to see bills and payment history, set up autopay, monitor usage, set up email and text alerts and more.

Any customer who experiences a disruption in service should be aware that CPWS will attempt same-day restoration for any account paid by 2 p.m. on that day.

 Customers who are delinquent on their bills are encouraged to contact CPWS by calling 931-388-4833, visiting our location at 201 Pickens Lane in Columbia or visiting cpws.com to become current prior to May 1.

Habitat for Humanity Williamson/Maury Gets Funding (MauryCountySource)

Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury is proud to announce it has been awarded $46,500 in grant funding from Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee, made possible through a $500,000 grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA). These funds will help build two new homes in Maury County providing a solid foundation for families striving for the American Dream of homeownership.

“We are truly grateful for THDA’s support! This grant represents hope, security, and the promise of new beginnings for these two local families. THDA’s loyal generosity reminds us of the power of partnerships, and we are honored to have them join us in this life-changing work,” shared HFHWM CEO, Kim Randell.

These grants will support the construction of 20 homes across Tennessee for first-time homebuyers who are working toward financial independence. THDA’s funding will empower Habitat affiliates to continue their mission of offering a hand-up—not a handout—to families willing to invest their time and energy into achieving homeownership.

“THDA is a vital partner in making homeownership attainable for more Tennesseans,” said Colleen Dudley, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee. “This grant is an investment in families who are working hard to achieve homeownership. It also strengthens local economies by fostering stability and growth, ensuring that communities continue to thrive.”

Since 2006, THDA has directed more than $117.3 million in grants to programs that strengthen homeownership and self-reliance in Tennessee.

“Habitat for Humanity has a long history of helping families achieve the dream of homeownership, and we are pleased to continue supporting this effort,” said THDA Executive Director Ralph M. Perrey. “This grant allows us to partner with Habitat affiliates across the state to build homes that strengthen families and communities.”

Maury Alliance Gives Back to Schools (Press Release)

Maury Alliance is excited to announce a special opportunity to support our schools during Teacher Appreciation Week through the Local First Gift Card program!

From April 28 – May 9, a portion of every Local First Gift Card purchased will be donated to the school that buys the most cards.

Here’s How It Works:

1. Purchase a Local First Gift Card

2. Select your school at checkout (online orders can select during pickup)

3. The school with the most purchases will receive a donation!

This is a simple way to give back to our educators and support local businesses at the same time. Please help spread the word—share this opportunity with your school's parents, teachers, clubs, and community groups to boost your school's chances!

Thank you for supporting local and making a difference in our schools!

Learn more by visiting www.mauryalliance.com.

Exhibit at CSCC (Press Release)

Columbia State’s Pryor Art Gallery is set to host an art exhibit showcasing the talent of Maury County students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The free exhibit will be open to the public from Monday, April 21, to Friday, May 9.

The gallery will be open from Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 am. - 4 p.m.

"Our passionate K-12 art instructors are thrilled to showcase their students' unique and inspiring creations," said Gabriel Trius, Columbia State Pryor Art Gallery curator.

The Pryor Art Gallery is in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus located at 1665 Hampshire Pike.

For more information about the exhibition, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/PryorGallery or Facebook at ColumbiaStatePAG.

Saturday Appointments for Real ID (Press Release)

The Department of Safety and Homeland Security announced today that it will begin offering additional Saturday appointments at 14 Driver Services Centers across the state for current Tennessee credential holders who want to get a REAL ID.

Saturday appointments are now available at 13 participating Driver Services Centers, including the Columbia Driver Services Center located at 1701 Hampshire Pike.

To take advantage of the new expanded Saturday appointments, applicants must already have a valid Tennessee driver license or identification card. REAL ID applicants who do not currently hold a valid Tennessee credential will be served during regular, Monday to Friday hours.

 Saturday hours are available by appointment only. Applicants without a REAL ID appointment will not be served during the new Saturday hours. Schedule your REAL ID appointment now at tnrealid.gov.

 REAL ID applicants must bring proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, proof of their Social Security Number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency. If your name has changed, you must also bring certified legal documents supporting the name change(s). This could include marriage licenses, divorce decrees, etc. All documents must be original or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted.

 The TDOSHS encourages all applicants to have their REAL ID required documents pre-approved online. Pre-approved documents can save you in-person processing time at the Driver Services Center and may eliminate repeat trips.  A complete list of accepted documents and the pre-approval portal are available at tnrealid.gov.

 For more information about Tennessee REAL ID, visit tnrealid.gov.

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…

Wanda Faye Brown Weaver, 82, resident of Spring Hill, died Sunday, April 27, 2025 at her residence.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Clay Gentry officiating. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 from 3:00 PM till 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. 

Thomas Eugene “Digger” Whitley, 86, retired after 43 years as an Engineer for the Columbia Power & Water System and a long-time resident of Columbia died Friday, April 25, 2025 at home while peacefully surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The burial will follow in the Poplar Union Cemetery in the Duck River community of Hickman County. The family will visit with family and friends on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 3:00 PM till 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Terry Martin Voss, 80, retired dairy farmer and a resident of Voss Road in Columbia, died Saturday, April 26, 2025 at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center.

A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. A private inurnment will be at a later date at Pleasant Mount Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

And now, news from around the state…

Two Franklin Officers Honored (MauryCountySource)

What started as a routine welfare check quickly turned into a life-or-death situation, and thanks to the swift actions of two Franklin police officers, a man is alive today. Now, those officers are being recognized for their heroic efforts.

On Sunday, April 27, Master Patrol Officer Brion Delap and Officer Erick Lee were presented the prestigious Life Saving Award from the Sons of the American Revolution during a ceremony at the Williamson County Public Library in Franklin.

“Officers Delap and Lee represent the very best of what it means to serve and protect,” said Franklin Policer Chief Deb Faulkner. “Receiving the Life Saving Award is a fitting recognition for their courage and quick thinking.”

On the evening of January 30, 2025, Delap and Lee responded to a call at the 4th Ave. parking garage in downtown Franklin. Upon arrival, they found a man standing at the edge of the top level, near the retaining wall. As the officers moved in to speak with him, the man suddenly climbed over the wall in an attempt to harm himself. Without hesitation, Delap and Lee rushed forward. The man had already gone over the edge when the officers managed to grab onto his clothing. The officers fought to pull the man back to safety as he resisted. Despite the physical challenge, they were able to bring him back over the wall and secure him just in time.

“There’s no doubt that these officers saved a life,” said Faulkner. “Their courage, strength, and quick response made all the difference in that moment. Their actions reflect the heart and heroism that define the Franklin Police Department.”

Delap has been with the Franklin Police Department since November 2023, while Lee was sworn in in October 2024.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department (WCPR) recently announced the return of the annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival that will be held May 3-26 at Castle Park in Arrington.

This is the 39th year for this festival, which invites all to travel back to 16th century England where the Village of Covington Glen comes alive with the bustle of a Renaissance Marketplace. Artisans from all over the country display their wares from silks and swords; to jewels and unique forms of art. 

A variety of flavors, aromas and tastes greet festivalgoers as the voices of renaissance musicians and merrymakers echo through the trees. Enjoy the revelry and pageantry of the joust, and a special visit from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. This year’s event features a variety of additions including new entertainers, merchants, and vendors coupled with popular festival favorites; engaging special events and unique role-playing game experiences.  

Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in May (3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25) and on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26.  

Castle Park is located at 2135 New Castle Road in Arrington.

For detailed information on this year’s festival, admission options, and to purchase tickets or passes, visit www.tnrenfest.com.