Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-10-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for June 10, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Baby Shot in Spring Hill (WilliamsonScene)

A one-year-old child was shot early Friday morning in Spring Hill in what police described as an exchange of gunfire between at least two people.

The unidentified child was sleeping in a home in the 3000 block of Shandor Street when a bullet was fired into the home around 12:55 a.m. The child was transported to a local hospital in “stable condition.”

“Investigators do not believe the child was the intended target of the shooting,” according to a Spring Hill Police Department news release.

Police said that an unidentified person was on Shandor Street when a car, described as a sedan, stopped in the road next to the person, and the occupants got out of the car.

“For reasons that are unknown, the occupants of the vehicle and the person on the street exchanged gunfire,” the news release states, adding that “up to 15 rounds” were fired.

Police have not identified anyone involved in the shooting and are asking residents of the Harvest Pointe subdivision to review any home security camera footage between 12:30 a.m. and 1:30 a.m.

SHPD asks that anyone with information about the shooting or the suspects to contact Detective Jonathan Tiller at jtiller@springhilltn.org, or submit an anonymous tip online here.

Arsonist Arrested (MauryCountySource)

Detectives from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, along with WCSO Case Agent Sgt. Travis Donnell, have been investigating a series of arsons that occurred in recent weeks. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from any of the fires; however, each property was completely destroyed and considered a total loss.

During the investigation, it was discovered that similar arson incidents had occurred across multiple jurisdictions during the same time period, including Spring Hill, TN; Davidson County, TN; and parts of Kentucky. Due to the multi-jurisdictional nature of the case, agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have been assisting the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies involved. Cases of this complexity require significant expertise and strong interagency collaboration.

As a result of the investigation, Charlie Aguayo of Antioch was arrested and is currently being held at the Wilson County Jail. He faces three counts of arson and one count of criminal trespassing, with bond set at $80,000.00. Detectives have also identified juvenile co-conspirators, and the investigation remains ongoing.

County Mulls Security for Library (MSM)

Commissioners on the Maury County Commission’s Budget Committee were split last week on how to address security concerns that have arisen at the Public Library in Columbia.

The security issues include homeless people hanging around the library building throughout daytime hours involved in unauthorized activities and sometimes intimidating patrons of the library.

At a June 2 special-called meeting of the Budget Committee, commissioners discussed how to deal with the issue. Some favored having a sheriff’s deputy patrol the building during the library’s business hours, while others argued for a budget item on the agenda to hire a private security guard for $85,000 per year. Most agreed that full-time security would need to be deployed there to deal with the issue.

Commissioner Jerry Bridenbaugh reminded his colleagues that homeless people have the same legal right to visit and use the library a housed people, and that there are no state statutes against loitering until the loiterer becomes disorderly or threatening.

However, County Library Director Meghan Cyr and Commissioner Kathy Grodi shared that homeless people frequently take naps, eat food and sponge-bathe in the library’s facilities, and regular library workers have too many work responsibilities (and no warrant to use force) to enforce the rules against them.

Commissioner Carl McCullen, who holds a degree in psychology, added that he personally knows some of the loiterers at the library and bus stop to be “dangerous folk” or mentally ill.

“I’ve seen some dangerous people in there,” he said. “They respect me, I respect them, but some of those guys would hurt you, and they don’t care a thing about the employees — all they care [about is] to get their way.”

A few commissioners pointed out that local law enforcement agencies are already obligated to stop by the library on regular patrols. Stovall said Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Alsup and Sheriff Bucky Rowland have agreed to send their officers on more frequent patrols to the area. He also supposed that with the removal of the benches outside the library, and the city’s plans to move the bus stop (another popular hang-out) further down the street, loitering ought to fall sharply.

Others questioned the financial commitment.

“I don’t really see us spending $85,000 for protection that we already should have,”Commissioner Tommy Wolaver said. “As far as I’m concerned, the sheriff’s department has the right and responsibility to protect the citizens.”

County Finance Director Doug Lukonen replied that the county would probably spend more money hiring a sheriff’s deputy to guard the library full-time than a private contractor. A deputy with benefits and overtime (the library is open at least 43 hours per week) could cost the county $90,000 to $100,000 per year, and they would have to rotate at least two in and out to avoid paying overtime.

Rowland later told Main Street Maury the department doesn’t “have personnel for a full-time presence [at the library] at this time.”

“We have deputies check in daily,” he said, “and should have contact numbers shared with staff if they have any concerns throughout the day.”

Commissioner Eric Previti said some of his District 2 constituents have stopped going to the library for fear of the homeless loiterers and he challenged the effectiveness of short, intermittent patrol visits.

“[It’s] like having squirrels in your backyard,” he said. “You set your bird feeder out and… when you come outside they scatter, but as soon as you leave, they come right back.”

He argued that the library needs full-time security no matter which entity provides it.

Cyr agreed, and testified to the effectiveness of the current security guard: on his first morning, he moved two loiterers along before even clocking in, and patrolled the library quietly the rest of the day.

“In my opinion, he did a great job,” Cyr said.

Lukonen ultimately suggested the committee appropriate the planned $85,000 in the budget that night, then ask the sheriff later whether his department can provide or hire a deputy with additional funds. In response to a question from Commissioner Gabe Howard, Lukonen confirmed that the county commission has the final discretion to choose the security provider.

In other county commission news, the budget committee also agreed to recommend the county maintain its current property tax rate of 1.91 cents per $100 of assessed value for the upcoming fiscal year.

The 2025-26 budget discussion included a projected spending-over-revenues deficit of approximately $25.2 million, which Lukonen estimated his department could get down to $6.9 million by the end of next year.

Commissioner Scott Sumners asked to move the $1.4 million Columbia library renovation forward to the commission’s last meeting for the current fiscal year this month, to reduce the expected deficit for next year down to $5.3 million, and the committee agreed to do so.

When Howard questioned a 40 percent total increase in the school district’s funding over the last four years, against enrollment growth of 3.5 percent each of the last seven years, Lukonen explained that the school district’s former share of property taxes is being restored.

“They were receiving 45 percent of the property tax roll before we added the Parks and Rec fund, went under a reappraisal and gave a tax increase,” he said. “Up until this year they have [received] 39 percent, when the historical average was 45 percent dating back to 2007. This increase puts them back at 44 percent of the tax roll.”

The school district has been making up the difference with sales taxes, mixed-drink taxes and state funding each year — in 2024-25, $8 million in surplus sales taxes eased a $12 million deficit the district projected — but it still operates at a regular shortfall.

“A property tax increase is coming in the next couple of years, based on everything I continue to see,” Howard said, who worried that the county had said “yes” to too many new projects in recent years. “I’m concerned that we are going to implode.”

“I can promise you all, we will not implode while I am sitting in this seat,” Lukonen replied, reminding the committee of his and his department’s proven financial savvy, most recently when they rode a sales-tax windfall the previous year. “Even if you approve that $6.9 million [deficit], we’re not going to spend all of it. We’re probably going to come in closer to zero than $6.9 million.”

Columbia Gets Grant (Press Release)

The City of Columbia is proud to announce it has been awarded a Waste Reduction Grant for a total project value of $425,200.00 from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC),

Division of Solid Waste Management (DSWM), Materials Management Program (MMP). This significant funding includes a 30% match from the City of Columbia, and will facilitate the purchase of a new recycling truck, enhancing the city's waste management and sustainability initiatives.

This investment underscores Columbia's commitment to responsible environmental stewardship and efficient public services. The acquisition of this new recycling truck is a pivotal step in increasing the city's capacity to handle larger recycling volumes and directly supports Columbia's broader vision for a more sustainable community.

"This grant is a testament to our ongoing dedication to environmental sustainability and the well-being of our community," stated Mayor Chaz Molder. "A new recycling truck will significantly improve our capacity to serve residents and reinforce Columbia's position as a leader in responsible waste management. We are incredibly grateful to TDEC for their partnership and support in achieving our green goals."

The City of Columbia has consistently prioritized initiatives that contribute to a cleaner environment, understanding that effective waste reduction and recycling programs are fundamental to this effort. This grant will allow the Public Works Department to operate with greater efficiency and reach more households, making recycling more accessible and convenient for all citizens.

City Manager Tony Massey highlighted the importance of the award. “This grant award allows the City to expand and enhance our solid waste recycling efforts to our citizenry. Less solid waste going to the landfill and instead being repurposed is good for the environment, saves landfill space, and is fiscally responsible.”

Public Works Director Jeff DeWire emphasized the direct impact on daily operations and resident services. “This new recycling truck will be an excellent addition to our fleet, significantly enhancing our ability to serve the community. It will allow for more efficient collection routes, reduced operational costs, and ultimately, a more reliable and expanded recycling service for every resident.”

The grant contract is expected to be finalized swiftly, with a tentative contract delivery date set for June 30, 2025. The City of Columbia looks forward to integrating the new recycling truck into its fleet and continuing its efforts to promote a cleaner, greener future for all its residents.

MRMC Heart Failure Monitoring (Press Release)

Maury Regional Health (MRH) is now offering an advanced tool for patients with heart failure: the CardioMEMS™ HF System. This small, implantable device allows care teams to monitor a patient’s heart failure status remotely and make timely adjustments to their treatment, with the goal of helping prevent hospitalization and improve quality of life.

Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) began using the CardioMEMS HF System in May. The system is designed for patients with moderate to advanced heart failure who have been hospitalized in the past year or have elevated natriuretic peptides.

“As a regional leader in heart care, we are committed to bringing the most advanced tools and treatments to our patients,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “The CardioMEMS HF System is another way we’re helping people live longer, healthier lives right here at home.”

Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet the body’s needs. Over time, this can lead to symptoms, such as shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and feet, fatigue and weight gain. Managing the condition requires ongoing monitoring and care to help patients avoid worsening symptoms and hospital stays.

The CardioMEMS HF System includes a tiny sensor that is implanted into the pulmonary artery during a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Once in place, the sensor measures changes in pressure that can indicate fluid buildup or worsening heart failure — often before symptoms begin. Patients take daily readings from home using a specialized pillow that wirelessly transmits the data to their care team.

“By monitoring changes early, we can act quickly to help keep patients out of the hospital,” said Kevin Maquiling, MD, a cardiologist who led the launch of CardioMEMS HF System at MRH. “This technology gives us the ability to manage heart failure more proactively, and that can make a real difference in a patient’s life.”

MRH offers a Heart Failure Support Group that meets on the last Tuesday of each month from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Maury Regional Annex. For more information call 931.381.1111, ext. 2089, or visit MauryRegional.com/Calendar.

MRMC provides a vast array of cardiac services, including interventional procedures, pacemaker and defibrillator implants, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and diagnostic testing, such as calcium CT scoring, cardiac catheterization, carotid ultrasounds, echocardiograms and more.

To learn more about heart services at Maury Regional Health, visit MauryRegional.com/Heart.

Lady Lion Name New Coach (MSM)

In taking over the Columbia Central girls’ basketball program recently, Thomas Stanley called it “a destination job.”

But that wasn’t the only destination of concern for the former Clarksville Northwest boys coach, who resigned that position just a couple of weeks ago.

Prior to Northwest, where he’d spent the past three seasons, Stanley had served as girls coach at Hickman County for seven years. During his time there, he got married and the couple has two sons – who have continued to live in Centerville during his most recent coaching stint.

“I went to Northwest and absolutely loved Northwest, but my wife and kids were 1½-2 hours away from me. It became an extreme mental strain,” said Stanley, a Clarksville native who would stay with his father during the week and go home on the weekends.

“I can’t be any happier, being back home and being with my family,” he said as he replaces Johné Stewart after one season atop the Lady Lions. “I’m extremely excited to be a Lion. As a young man playing at Northeast, we’d scrimmage them. I’ve always had my eye on Columbia Central; that’s what I talked to them about in my interview.

“This is a destination job. This is a place where I feel like there’s a lot of support, there’s a lot of resources. This is a place where people want to see sports succeed. As far as enrollment and demographic, we’re talking the exact same as where I came from.”

Stanley becomes the third Lady Lions coach in three years. Megan Moore guided the team to a 23-9 finish – the program’s first 20-win season in 10 years – and an Associated Press Class 4A statewide poll ranking – before leaving in the spring of 2024 to accept an administrative position at East Hickman. The year before, Columbia Central won the District 12-4A tournament title and advanced to the Region 6-4A tourney semifinals.

Last year, though, injuries and a young roster stalled the team’s momentum. Central went 5-19 under Stewart, a Memphis native who had played at Jacksonville (Fla.) and Southeast Missouri State before beginning her coaching career as a graduate assistant at Heidelburg (Ohio), an NCAA Division III program.

“A lot of young girls played last year, and I feel like there are girls walking the hallway that need to be playing, that we’re going to go after wholeheartedly,” Stewart said. “I feel like it could be a lot of fun really fast.”

Meanwhile, school officials confirmed that Joe Washington has been named to replace Brandon Levier as boys basketball coach. Washington, who previously coached at Raleigh Egypt in Memphis, takes over after Levier was dismissed prior to Columbia Central’s District 9-4A tournament quarterfinal loss in February. 

In his first season at the helm of his alma mater, Levier led the Lions to a 19-9 finish and a berth in the Region 5-4A tournament semifinals, while earning District 9-4A Coach of the Year honors. Central went 4-22 this past season, falling at Lincoln County in the opening round of the district tourney.

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

Alice Jean Baxter Mash, 86, longtime resident of the Kettle Mills Community in Hampshire, died Friday, June 6, 2025 at Life Care Center of Columbia.

A private graveside service was conducted at Baxter Cemetery. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…

Prison Riot in Trousdale (Tennessean)

An overnight riot at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center drew a mass multi-agency police presence, according to officials and news reports.

The Trousdale County Sheriff's Department in a statement said the incident began just after 10 p.m. on June 8. Officials said the incident was contained inside the prison fences and the inmates were eventually returned back to their cells. Prison staff were in the process of conducting an inmate headcount, officials said.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol said it deployed about 75 troopers, including negotiators and members of its special operations unit to assist in securing the area around the facility.

Trousdale County Sheriff Ray Russell in an interview said prisoners had "control of" two guards who were later released. He said two or three other staff members locked themselves in a room for safety.

Private prison giant CoreCivic, which runs Trousdale Turner, in a statement said a large group of inmates from several housing units left their cells and gained access to an inner yard, "becoming disruptive and confrontational."  

It said the group destroyed facility property, compromised security cameras and set small fires.  

One guard was assaulted and suffered minor injuries, the company said. Facility staff used "chemical agents" to gain compliance and the inmates were secured around 1 a.m. June 9, the company said, adding that three inmates were treated for minor injuries.  

"The facility is on lockdown until further notice while we investigate this incident in conjunction with our TDOC partners," CoreCivic said.

Trousdale Turner — about an hour east of Nashville — is Tennessee's largest prison. The long-troubled facility is currently under a U.S. Department of Justice civil rights investigation for its high rates of violence, deaths and drug overdoses.

The incident has sparked calls from public officials for the state to take action as the facility continues to strain local resources.

Jason Lawson, the District Attorney General for 15th Judicial District that includes Trousdale County, in a statement said Trousdale Turner has continually added cases to the criminal court docket in recent years. The prison has seen a string of guards arrested on charges involving contraband and other issues.

Lawson estimates the number of cases added to the docket is at a rate of roughly one every four days.

“The continual problems demonstrate that CoreCivic is unable to address the issues,” he said. “I understand that Tennessee needs the bedspace at Trousdale Turner to house state prisoners, however, it is long-overdue that the State of Tennessee shifted the management of Trousdale Turner from CoreCivic into the direct hands of the Tennessee Department of Correction."

Lawson said the state “could manage this situation far better than what is being done by CoreCivic.”

Sheriff Russell in an interview said he also wants change.

“We’ve had our problems out there,” Russell said. “It’s probably the worst prison in the state from what I hear from other sheriffs (and) also the investigators from the state, they talk about it too. Something has to give.”

Trousdale Turner has been plagued with a high rate of deaths, overdoses, sexual assaults and scathing state audits since its opened in 2016.

CoreCivic operates four private prisons in Tennessee. A Tennessean review of death data across all prisons in TDOC showed that deaths occurred disproportionately in CoreCivic facilities. In 2023, CoreCivic inmates made up roughly 36% of Tennessee prisoners but account for 48% of the 152 fatalities in the state's prison population.

Multiple state audits have found chronic understaffing at Trousdale Turner, which has led to increased violence and contraband.  In 2023, the prison saw a 188% turnover rate, for the highest in the state.

The prison has also seen a barrage of lawsuits from family members who have lost loved ones.

In one of the most recent lawsuits, a Trousdale inmate said he was attacked and raped by gang members in the prison who were extorting his family and friends for money.

National News

BREAK 3 at:57

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Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Fresh off a spellbinding national tour, master illusionist Drew Murray is set to take the stage at Turner Theater in The Factory at Franklin for two amazing shows on Thursday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Drew Murray, star of the acclaimed show Rare Magic: An Immersive Evening of Mind-Bending Deception, will unveil a never-before-seen performance exclusively for these Franklin audiences. Blending elegant sleight-of-hand with jaw-dropping illusions and theatrical storytelling, Murray has captivated audiences nationwide. This special event promises more than just a performance, it’s an intimate invitation into the impossible.

Currently touring with sold-out shows at Marriott Autograph Collection Hotels across the country, Murray’s ability to blur the lines between reality and illusion has cemented his reputation as one of the most intriguing performers in modern magic.

For a glimpse into his captivating style, view a full performance by Drew Murray at the TEDx Talks at The Ohio State University. The Factory Presents: Magician, Drew Murray is open to adults 18 and older. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.factoryatfranklin.com/magic/.