Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-16-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for June 16, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Officer Involved Shooting (Tennessean)

After a man shot a Maury County deputy, deputies returned gunfire outside a gas station, fatally shooting him in the early morning of June 15, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

The man who died was 25-year-old Clayton Tyler Dodson, according to the news release from the TBI. One deputy was struck by Dodson's gunfire and suffered minor injuries, TBI said.

This is the second time this weekend TBI has been asked to investigate a shooting by an officer. A Friday night shooting by a Memphis police officer left a man, who had struck another officer with his car, in critical condition.

The shooting occurred outside a gas station on New Lewisburg Highway near Interstate 65 in Columbia, based on information in the news release.

The district attorney for Columbia, Brent Cooper, requested TBI investigate the shooting.

According to TBI, the deputies responded to the gas station around 3 a.m. June 15 to a report of "possible drug activity and a couple fighting." Dodson and a woman were in a car at the side of the building. After a "brief time," Dodson pulled a gun and shot at the deputy.

The bullet hit the deputy's vest. Both deputies returned fire and struck Dodson.

Dodson was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

TBI did not state the name of either deputy involved in the shooting.

Juvenile Charged in Toddler Shooting (CDH)

A 17-year-old juvenile has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting of a 22 month old child on Shandor Street in the Harvest Pointe subdivision in Spring Hill.

Officers were dispatched June 6 to the 3000 block of Shandor Street at approximately 12:55 a.m. when officers discovered a round had been fired from the street into a home, striking a child, almost two years old, who was sleeping inside, according to a social media post.

Spring Hill Police Department detectives June 12 charged a juvenile with attempted second degree murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment by discharging a firearm into a habitation, the post said.

Investigators do not believe the child was the intended target of the shooting, the notice said. Paramedics later transported the child to a hospital, where the child was reported to be in stable condition.

"Investigators believe a person was on Shandor Street when a vehicle stopped in the road next to the person," the post states.

"The occupants of the vehicle (described as a sedan) eventually got out. For reasons that are unknown, the occupants of the vehicle and the person on the street exchanged gunfire. The people involved fired up to 15 rounds."

No suspects were identified initially, with SHPD previously offering a $1,000 reward for information that could lead to an arrest.

"The circumstances that led to the shooting are still under investigation," the post said. "The decision to request a transfer hearing from juvenile court to adult court rests with the District Attorney’s Office. Detectives have worked tirelessly on this case since the incident occurred. Our thoughts remain with the child and their family. We are all hoping for a full and swift recovery."

Culleoka Fire (WSMV)

A home that was being renovated in Culleoka was destroyed by a fire Saturday morning, according to the Maury County Fire Department.

MCFD said they responded to Valley Creek Road at 7:07 a.m. on Saturday for reports of a house fire.

When crews arrived, they found the home fully engulfed in flames, but firefighters were able to later extinguish the fire.

No injuries were reported and no one was inside at the time of the fire as it was under renovation, MCFD said.

DeWire Appointed to Recycling Board (CDH)

The Tennessee Recycling Coalition announced its newly appointed board members for the 2025-26 term.

The new board includes Jeff DeWire, City of Columbia Public Works, Josh Roberts, Warren County Solid Waste, and Angelina Uzor, Tennessee Department of Health.

Additionally, the 2024-2025 members are Tom Brandon, Waste Management, Monica Kizer, Keep Tennessee Beautiful, and Mark Torbett, Sullivan County Solid Waste.

“It’s great to welcome these seasoned professionals to TRC’s Board of Directors,” Caleb Powell, Board president, said. “The positive impact of our organization on Tennessee’s recycling initiatives continues to grow, thanks to the dedication of our board members and industry leaders statewide.”

The current officers of the TRC Board of Directors are Lincoln Young (past president), Jaquelyn Keeney (vice president), and Lyndsay Ross (secretary). Amber Greene serves as the executive director of TRC. 

The Tennessee Recycling Coalition is dedicated to educating and promoting recycling across all 95 counties in the state of Tennessee. Its mission is to provide resources for all Tennesseans, regardless of their organization or affiliation, helping them learn about recycling and fostering a network that encourages education and the sharing of best practices. 

Local Law Enforcement Promotes Motorcycle Safety (MSM)

Lawrenceburg fireman Brandon Stutts was the keynote speaker at a recent PSA event, hosted by state and local law-enforcement and emergency services, which stressed the importance of motorcycle safely.

Speaking at the event at Harley-Davidson of Columbia, Tennessee Highway Patrol Sgt. Stephen Ellis presented statistics and safety tips. In the last three years, according to Ellis, more than one-in-20 motorcycle-involved crashes in Middle Tennessee were fatal: 204 out of 3,090 crashes (6.6 percent) in 2023, 181 of 3,078 (5.88 percent) in 2024, and so far in 2025, 49 fatalities out of 913 crashes (5.37 percent).

To minimize the odds, Ellis reiterated both legal requirements and tips. Cyclists are legally required to wear a helmet and eyewear and turn on their headlights, and they’re advised to wear boots, long pants or riding suits to avoid road rash and cerebrospinal injuries.

Riding tips include avoiding tailgating and blind spots, and riding within one’s speed and distance tolerances, especially at night and in bad weather.

When riding in groups, cyclists should ride staggered on straight roads and single-file through curves. They should also designate an experienced group leader, others in the middle to transmit hand signals, and a “safety rider” for the caboose to lead lane changes.

One should never operate a motorcycle after drinking, and be careful about carrying an intoxicated passenger. The department also recommended attending annual training courses, especially the state Department of Safety’s Rider Education Program.

Stutts spoke of his lifelong love of small vehicles and what they represent: “That was my first introduction to a little bit of freedom,” he said.

Stutts learned about Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the Air Force, and shocked his wife by having one shipped home two weeks before he got back from deployment. Later he quit the Air Force to join the Lawrenceburg Fire Department and spend more time with his family. He made many memories, riding tens of thousands of miles, and even found new emotional depths in himself, in the saddle.

“Over the years, I found that being on a motorcycle wasn’t just about the freedom, it became my decompression chamber,” he reminisced. “It helped me get through some anxiety and depression and some mental things I didn’t even know I had.”

On an errand one evening, Stutts went through a yellow light and was hit by an SUV driver turning into his lane. He awoke to a spinal injury, fractures in his tibia, femur and wrist, crushed ribs, arterial bleeding all up and down his left side and an open facial wound that turned into aspirated pneumonia. His only consolation, as he faded in and out of consciousness, was that his own truck company from the fire department had been deployed to rescue him. He was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he stayed on a ventilator for two weeks and in the hospital for a total of six or seven weeks.

“I really circled the drain, but I pulled through it, through a lot of prayer and support systems that rallied around me,” Stutts testified.

His fire-department comrades stayed at his bedside, to help him to the bathroom and sound the alarm if his fever passed 90 degrees.

“[In] those humbling things that you don’t think about, they were there for me,” he said.

With his friends’ and coworkers’ help, Stutts returned to the fire department in August — and bought another motorcycle in November, to everyone’s consternation. His second bike has racked up 40,000 miles in the meantime, and now he’s more passionate than ever about cyclist safety.

“Everybody deserves a piece of the road. It’s not just made for passenger vehicles and semis, it’s made for us too,” he declared. “[But] sometimes it’s the bikers that do dumb stuff. It’s still wrong to throw your leg across the bike if you’ve had a drink. If you’ve never been on two wheels… go take you a motorcycle safety course, get you some rain gear, a good helmet, all those things that Stephen talked about… Get out and enjoy your freedom.”

He closed with a prayer for the safety of bikers on the road.

Habitat Announces New Leadership (MauryCountySource)

Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) announces the upcoming departure of President and COO Jennee Galland, who will be stepping down in June 2025 after more than 12 years of dedicated service.

“Jennee and I were hired together over a decade ago, and we’ve been shoulder-to-shoulder in this work ever since—both here at home and on global builds,” shared HFHWM CEO Kim Randell. “She has been a steady, passionate force for Habitat, pouring her heart into every home, every family, and every project.”

During her time at HFHWM, Jennee has left an indelible mark on the organization. Her leadership has touched every department, from growing the annual Hammers & High Heels fundraiser and expanding HFHWM’s community footprint, to overseeing home construction and mentoring staff. Her vision and dedication have helped shape the organization into what it is today.

As Jennee transitions to new opportunities, HFHWM will consolidate its co-leadership model. CEO Kim Randell will assume full leadership responsibilities, continuing to guide the organization with the same heart and strategic direction.

HFHWM Board of Directors Chair, Kim Varga, shared the following statement, “The dual leadership model we embraced—with Jennee Galland and Kim Randell at the helm—was the perfect fit during a pivotal season of growth for our organization. Their shared leadership brought balance, vision, and strength, allowing us to deepen our impact and expand our reach in the communities we serve. With Jennee Galland now choosing to pursue the next phase of her career, the Board of Directors has thoughtfully evaluated our leadership structure and made the decision to transition back to a sole-leader model. This shift reflects our ongoing commitment to focused leadership, clarity, and continued organizational momentum.”

Randell brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership and a steadfast commitment to affordable housing and community development. She joined Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury in 2013, and over the past twelve years has held progressive leadership roles culminating in her appointment as CEO in 2022. During her leadership tenure, the organization has expanded its critical repair program, launched new neighborhood developments, and grown its annual budget to over $5 million. Kim brings not only vision, but a boots-on-the-ground understanding of how safe, stable housing transforms lives, knowledge gained from years of direct service, global builds, and hands-on community engagement.

She is a graduate of the Leadership Middle Tennessee Class of 2023, a program that unites regional leaders to address pressing issues across the state. Since December 2021, she has served on the Franklin Housing Commission, contributing to housing policy and planning in the region. Additionally, Randell holds board positions with Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee and the Tennessee Affordable Housing Coalition, where she collaborates with statewide partners to advance equitable housing solutions. The organization is optimistic about this next season and looks forward to its continued growth and ability to serve local families. On the horizon, HFHWM is developing a neighborhood in Columbia, TN that will provide safe, affordable housing for sixteen families.

For more information about HFHWM or to get involved, please visit hfhwm.org.

Painter Inducted into Sports Commentator HOF (MSM)

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” – William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

John Painter would humbly submit that some may also have greatness rub off onto them.

The 1982 Columbia Central graduate was honored by the College Sports Communicators as part of its six-person 2025 Hall of Fame induction class during a June 9 ceremony at its annual convention in Orlando – a recognition due in some degree to the professionals he was fortunate enough to be influenced by over his career.

“I’ve worked with nine Hall of Famers in my office; I’ve worked in the office with nine Hall of Famers,” Painter said, referring to Haywood Harris, Bud Ford, Debbie Jennings and – briefly – Larry Happel at the University of Tennessee, Auburn’s David Housel, Dave Cawood and Jim Wright with the NCAA and Bob Cornell and Roger Crosley over his nine years at Colgate.

Painter, who retired last month as assistant athletics director for communications at Maryville College, was inducted alongside:

• Lonza Hardy Jr., who spent 40-plus years with the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Southern University, Alcorn State and Albany State before his retirement;

• Larry Hymel, the first fulltime sports information director at Southeastern Louisiana;

• Tony Neely, a Vanderbilt graduate and a fixture in its athletic communications department before accepting a similar role at Kentucky in 1994;

• Cindy Potter, former CSC president and current athletics director at Columbia (Mo.) College; and 

• Scottie Rodgers, vice president of communications for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl after previous roles at Alabama, the Southeastern Conference, the Ivy League, the NCAA, Tulane and the Sun Belt Conference.

“I knew Tony when I was a student (at UT), when he was at Vanderbilt,” Painter said. “I’ve known him a long time. Think of the nicest person you know, and Tony’s nicer. Scottie, we worked at the NCAA together briefly, and when he was at the SEC, I worked with him then. So I knew those two, and also Lonza. I knew who Cindy was. Larry’s been retired a few years, so I didn’t know him, but I got to talk to him.

“I was surprised when I got the call six months ago.”

Having been in the presence of so many high achievers in his field, though, Painter knew what Hall of Fame-worthy work looked like.

“Those are the kind of people that rub off on you. They do things the right way and it just becomes second nature,” he said. “And you’re teaching your assistants. I was never a ‘dictator’ boss. I was more of a ‘collaborative’ boss. I know I do have to make the decision at some point, but I like to think we all get there instead of just me getting there, pulling everybody. That’s how good teams win, when everybody’s pulling on the same rope.”

At the end of his nine years at Colgate, Painter’s intent wasn’t to retire – “I’m only 57,” he said at the time – but he wasn’t sure what was next, either, before Maryville materialized.

“We got our kids through college, and I came back for the COVID year (2020-21) because that was going to be a crazy year,” he recalled. “But we knew it was time to get back down here. Right when I got back, the Maryville job opened.

“It worked out great. I really enjoyed it. It was fun. I learned a lot. I’m now retired, but I’ll be over there all the time. There’s a lot of research I wanted to do for records and things like that; I just never had time. We got some things in good shape over there, but I’m hopeful we can do a lot more.

As much of a highlight as his Hall of Fame induction was, the impromptu reunion with a number of individuals whose careers Painter had influenced was equally fulfilling.

“I got lucky to land at Colgate after the Tennessee career ended,” he said. “I don’t think I’m in the Hall of Fame if I hadn’t been there, and at Maryville also. It just kinda broadened my horizons and my career.

“We helped a lot of people land some great jobs and they were super successful and they were all there to see me and that was really nice. I’m eager to see what pops next.”

Korean War 75th Anniversary (Press Release)

On the 75th Anniversary of the Korean War, the Tenassee Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Maury County Veteran’s Office will pay tribute to those who served, fought and died on the Korean Peninsula.

At 10:00am on Wednesday, June 25th at the Memorial Building, located at 308 W. 7th Street in Columbia, all veterans, past, present or retired are welcome along with anyone who would like to join a grateful nation in remembering service and honoring those who fought.

A recognition award will be presented to Korean Veteran Dale Winston Riggs at the event.

And now, news from around the state…

Leipers Fork Distillery Expands (MauryCountySource)

Southwest Value Partners and Leiper’s Fork Distillery, a family-owned and operated whiskey distillery based in Williamson County, announced that they will expand to Nashville Yards. Leiper’s Fork Distillery at Nashville Yards will feature on-site whiskey production, a restaurant and bar, retail store, private tasting room, and stage to host live music.

Located on 30-acres in Williamson County, Leiper’s Fork Distillery is a celebrated producer of small batch premium whiskeys. Since filling their first barrel in 2016, founder and distiller Lee Kennedy has recaptured the lost art of small batch pre-prohibition style whiskey production in Middle Tennessee. All Leiper’s Fork Distillery products are made by hand using traditional techniques, from grain-to-glass. Expanding to Nashville Yards will allow the family to scale production; Lee plans to move the distillery’s existing 500-gallon still named “Ginger” from Leiper’s Fork Distillery to Nashville Yards and install a new 1,000 gallon system in its place.

“As a Tennessee distillery, and as someone who grew up in Nashville, I’m incredibly excited to expand to Nashville Yards. This move allows us to share our story of authentic grain-to-glass whiskey production with a broader audience in the heart of downtown. With Broadway as the epicenter of Nashville tourism, establishing a presence at Nashville Yards offers us an opportunity to grow our brand and further solidify our reputation for crafting high-quality whiskeys that resonate with both locals and visitors alike.”

Leiper’s Fork Distillery at Nashville Yards expects to open in mid-2026 and will anchor the entire ground floor of the 18,500 square foot corten steel clad, two-story boutique building constructed next to the historic rail lines on the west side of the Pinnacle Tower at Nashville Yards.

Highly visible from both Broadway and Church Street, this corten steel building offers a 10,000+ square foot versatile rooftop space, ample parking, and is easily accessible by foot from anywhere on the Nashville Yards campus and downtown Nashville.

The distillery will overlook Nashville’s historic rail lines and one of the most anticipated features of Nashville Yards – the highly curated open green space park, named Ascension Saint Thomas Landing. The Landing will include a tiered amphitheater space, dog park, and large open area capable of hosting concerts, movies, farmers and artisan markets, fitness classes, private events, and more.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Nashville Zoo is proud to announce the opening of its newest adventure, Leopard Forest, on Friday, June 20. The new habitat features critically endangered Amur leopards, colobus monkeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, klipspringers, and the return of the Zoo’s most iconic members – Masai giraffes. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on opening day at 9:30 a.m., and the first 2,000 visitors will receive a Leopard Forest bandana to commemorate the occasion.

For more information on Nashville Zoo’s newest exhibit, visit www.nashvillzoo.org/leopard-forest.