Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-17-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for June 17, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Missing Teens (Press Release)

The Columbia Police Department is trying to locate a 16-year-old runaway juvenile, Jezzibelle Curry. Jezzibelle was last seen Saturday in the area of Williamsport Pike. Jezzibelle is 5’02” tall and weighs 95 pounds with brown hair and green eyes.

Also The Columbia Police Department is trying to locate a 14-year-old runaway juvenile, Izak Cuarrezma. Izak was last seen Saturday in the area of Lion Parkway wearing a black hoodie, black pants, and carrying a black backpack with orange trim. Izak is 5’02” tall and weighs 120 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

Any person with additional information that may assist in these or any other investigation is encouraged to contact Columbia Police Department Dispatch (24 hours) at 931-388-2727, Maury County Crime stoppers at 931-381-4900, or Columbia Police SAFE Tip Email to SafeTips@ColumbiaTN.Com

Officer Involved Shooting (Tennessean)

After a man shot a Maury County deputy, officers 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.

Dodson had reportedly been arrested for trying to steal a car in Williamson County in 2020. He was released last November.

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."

Legislators Recap Session (MSM)

At Columbia State Community College last Monday, State Sen. Joey Hensley (R-District 28), State Rep. Kip Capley (R-District 71) and State Rep. Scott Cepicky (R-District 64) spoke on the legislative accomplishments of the last session of the Tennessee General Assembly, then conversed with their constituents about Maury County’s recent gun violence and possible legislative solutions.

The legislators reported that the General Assembly had once again fulfilled its legal mandate, to pass a balanced annual budget, to the tune of $59.8 billion. The state government has worked with budget surpluses for most of the last several years because of recent business growth, and, Hensley said, “We’re always looking for ways to cut taxes.”

Hensley spoke highly of the budget and several bills that passed, including the termination of DEI-based preferments in government and education, increased penalties for selling chemical-abortion pills and school mandates guaranteeing elementary students 40 minutes of recess and banning cell phone use during instructional time. Hensley and Cepicky collaborated on the last two bills, noting that similar local policies have already borne fruit. The superintendent of Warren County testified to the General Assembly that he’s had to carry a whistle at lunchtime ever since the district banned cell phones.

“Because the kids don’t have their cell phones at lunchtime, now they talk to each other,” Cepicky said, recalling what the superintendent had told the Assembly.

Behavioral problems reportedly fell sharply and social skills and academic performance improved, in the Warren County school district at the same time. Hensley and Cepicky said they hope the state law will show similar returns.

Cepicky was also very proud of the state’s achievements in third-grade literacy, which hit a 20-year high this school year. He cited a study which found that women in the state penitentiary system typically read at a third-grade level and men at a first-grade level, but 70 percent of them hold high school diplomas. By contrast, the state went from 29 percent literate in 2021-22 to 40 percent last year — the largest leap in state and possibly national history. And teachers are on the state-level committees that audit and shape the tests.

During the question period, Cepicky defended the practice of retaining kids reading below grade level by pointing out that in almost all retention cases, the parents agreed and cooperated with the school. The state is also spending $198 million on teacher raises, and sums in the single-digit millions on summer school, district performance incentives, charter schools, new facilities, security and subsidies for fast-growing districts. He wants to “push for maximum autonomy” so that Tennessee can use federal educational block grants as it sees fit.

“We’re very serious about education in Tennessee right now,” he said.

They also reassured the listeners again (one of whom held up a sign that read “Vouchers = Segregation”) that public schools wouldn’t lose funding if any students took the voucher money and left; adding that Tennessee only wishes to support parents in educating their children however they see fit. The state added $264 million (most of it in teacher raises) to the budget this year, making education the state’s second-most-funded item after TennCare (which receives most of its $19 billion budget from Medicaid).

Cepicky mentioned proposals to create a sliding scale for TennCare eligibility, so that people wouldn’t decline to accept a raise or promotion at work for fear of passing into a higher bracket and losing their health insurance.

Hensley also praised the governor and legislature for taking care of the state’s water supply, especially from the Duck River. Gov. Bill Lee’s desired $100 million in funding for the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership was cut during the legislative process, but remained at $65 million. The Columbia Dam, he assured listeners, was on the table as a possible way to guarantee water supply. Hensley said he is also happy to report that the bill to yank landfill protections from Class II Scenic Rivers, like the Maury County stretch of the Duck, was dropped for the session by its sponsoring legislators.

First-term representative Capley, who praised the Finance, Ways and Means Committee and subcommittee on which he sits, spent the session learning the ropes for how things get financed and approved.

“I’ll be honest with you, we spend a lot of money on pretty stupid things,” he said.

He also called attention to his and Hensley’s bill HB0856/SB1407, inspired by looting after the hurricane in East Tennessee, to allow people to use or threaten deadly force to protect their property, which is currently a Class C felony in Tennessee if the property owner isn’t being personally threatened. The bill is currently stuck in the judiciary committees.

The budget includes $1 billion for road projects, like the ones Maury County and its cities are clamoring for TDOT’s help with, but Capley pointed out that the state is $38 billion behind on such projects. He promised to do what he can to hold off on borrowing money and prevent the costs from “killing taxpayers.” Cepicky added that the state is sponsoring labor training through the TCATs, to create enough road workers to meet high demand. He touted the $70,000 salary that these workers could expect to receive fresh out of the training program.

He also applauded the legislature’s designation of $25 million to protect farmland from development. Families running up against the hard limits of agricultural yields and prices, who would be tempted to sell out by fat checks from developers and solar farms, can instead receive yearly payments from the state for the land they pledge to keep using for crops and livestock.

“We get squeezed more and more, and asked to feed more and more mouths,” said Cepicky, a career cattle farmer; adding that government help would allow farmers to remain farmers.

Up in the air are several amendments to the state constitution. Cepicky named SJR 1, a prohibition on a state property tax (which wouldn’t restrict municipalities’ ability to collect them); SJR 25, giving judges discretion to deny bond for particularly heinous personal crimes; and the Marsy’s Law amendment, which would expand the constitutional rights of crime victims and their families. He added that the last two have bipartisan support.

A group of mostly women sat near the front of the theater and murmured loudly or held up protest signs at times. They demanded near the end of the forum to talk directly to the legislators rather than silently submit questions, and all three men agreed to do so after the forum.

The group’s main concern was gun control, in light of the three injurious and deadly shootings in the last week in Columbia. The legislators dismissed it as politically impossible and theoretically undesirable.

“If… law-abiding citizens [can’t] get guns to protect themselves, criminals will still get firearms,” Hensley said.

“There’s already too many restrictions on the Second Amendment in the state of Tennessee anyway,” Capley said, to guffaws from the group in the audience.

He also expressed his opposition to red-flag laws and preferred, based on his experience in medical administration, to fund rural and private mental-health services and incentivize doctors to see as many patients as possible.

The questioners also charged the Republican supermajority (75 of 90 seats) in the General Assembly with not caring about the concerns of Democrats and liberals in their state, and asked the legislators on stage to represent them too.

“I have conversations with my colleagues across the aisle… who want to be reasonable,” Cepicky replied, citing his collaboration with the representative of Davidson County on the 40-minute recess bill. “I’m a policy guy, not a ‘leadership’ guy… Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat or an independent, you have to live under the same laws.” He counter-claimed that the Democratic legislators are reluctant to talk to the Republican legislators in public — they fear being seen as too friendly and getting primary challenges.

“It’s an honor to serve you in the General Assembly,” Capley said to finish his remarks. “I work for you, you don’t work for me.”

“We appreciate the opportunity to represent each and every one of you, even when you disagree with us,” confirmed Hensley. “I’m happy to dialogue with anyone.”

Local Runner Advancing (MSM)

As a young track athlete, Keltorian Buchanan drew inspiration from watching competitors at the top of their game pursue greatness in the Pacific Northwest.

This week, the Columbia Central graduate will be following in those same footsteps.

After completing a sensational freshman year at Tennessee Wesleyan University in Athens, Buchanan will participate in the USA Track & Field U20 Championships beginning Thursday on the campus of the University of Oregon.

“The opportunity to qualify for U20s and be able to run at Oregon – that’s always been a dream since I was little and started track,” said Buchanan, who will run in the 200 meters after reaching the NAIA nationals in both the 100 and the 200 this spring. “I always watched all the big competitions held there. You’ve got the Olympic trials, the NCAA nationals, all held at Hayward Field in Oregon. It’s a spot where a lot of history’s made.

“I’ve got the chance to line up there, representing, and chase something big.”

It’ll be a fine finish to a first collegiate season that has served as a brilliant beginning. After an indoor campaign that saw him run a 6.81-second 60 meters, Buchanan took the momentum outdoors and built up to a performance at the Appalachian Athletic Conference meet last month that saw him post a 10.43 in the 100 and a 21.19 in the 200 – both good for second-place conference finishes and berths in the nationals, with the latter sending him to Oregon as well.

“K.T. was one of the outstanding freshmen in the NAIA this year,” Tennessee Wesleyan sprints coach Sam Roberts said. “He’s like all other freshmen. He had to grow and learn how to practice at a higher level, how to prepare every day a little differently than high school. I think where he came from and what he did in high school was great, but there’s always that next level that you’ve got to rise to, and K.T. was able to do that.

“Our conference championship, especially, he broke out in his (4×100) relay and in his individual races and turned the corner. It was really cool to see. He was runner-up in the 100 and the 200, hit both his (NAIA) national qualifying marks and moved up into the top five on our all-time list. Our all-time list is pretty danged good, littered with a lot of all-Americans. He’s kinda that next one.”

Buchanan, who dealt with some injuries during his high school career, credits his relative health and his summer work with Central coach Thalas Steele for his impactful collegiate debut.

“He’s always had really great ability and sprint level,” Steele said. “We just didn’t have a lot of time. We knew he had the potential and the ability. I’m glad it’s happening quickly for him. He just needed the time and the focus, and it was just a matter of him performing when he got to the big stage.”

Since returning to Columbia in late May, Buchanan has been following a regimen prescribed by his TWU coaching staff and getting input from Steele to stay ready for this week.

“I’ve been doing the training support and the coaching support long distance the last couple of weeks,” Roberts said. “We had a plan and had a three-week rotation in mind and where we wanted him to be when he got out there.

“He’s been really good to do everything, every rep we’re asking. I think he’s going to be ready to go.”

Having run in multiple events throughout the regular season, Buchanan is enthused about having just one to concentrate on this week.

“I always felt like I’m a better 200 runner,” he said. “The 100, I always used it to really build up into my 200 – the speed, the quickness out of the blocks, I use it to build up for the 200.

“To be able to focus on just the one event, I think it’s going to make it way easier. The goal is to go out … I’m trying to put out a season-best and go ‘20-point.’”

Preliminaries and finals for the 200 meters will both take place on Friday. The meet will be broadcast on USATF.tv.

And now, news from around the state…

TSU To Raise Tuition (Tennessean)

Tennessee State University will raise tuition by 6% starting this fall. The university's board of trustees voted 6-1 to approve the increase during its regular meeting on June 13.

The decision at TSU, a historically Black, public university in Nashville, comes as other public universities across Tennessee apply similar tuition increases. The hike at TSU will apply to both in-state and out-of-state students. Board member Marquita Qualls was the lone vote against the measure, while board member Terica Smith was absent for the vote.

"The decision reflects rising operational costs and is essential to maintaining academic excellence, strengthening student support services and enhancing campus infrastructure and facilities," a TSU news release sent after the board's vote stated.

A typical 15-hour undergraduate student can expect to pay around $270 more per semester with the increase, according to the release.

"We understand that tuition increases can be challenging for students and families,” Board Chair Dakasha Winton said in the release. "However, this decision was made with careful consideration of our commitment to academic excellence, student success and the long-term viability of our programs."

TSU interim President Dwayne Tucker emphasized the university's commitment to making higher education attainable for all.

"We encourage students and families to make the most of available financial aid resources, such as scholarships, grants and work-study opportunities," Tucker said in the release.

Gas Prices (MSM)

Marking the third Monday at the same price, the Tennessee Gas Price average is $2.70. Since last Monday, the state average moved lower, but increased two cents from yesterday to $2.70 today. Drivers are still seeing pump prices approximately 30 cents lower compared to last year.  

“Oil prices rose last week due to the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran,” said Stephanie Milani, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “As a result, U.S. gas prices are expected to rise this week. The extent of the increase is uncertain, but drivers could begin seeing gas prices move higher on Monday.”

Tennessee is the 2nd least expensive state for gas in the country.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Frist Art Museum presents Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston an exhibition that celebrates aesthetic and technical achievements in quilting as well as the lives of their makers. Organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Fabric of a Nation will be on view in the Frist’s Upper-Level Galleries from June 27 through October 12, 2025.

Featuring nearly 50 exceptional quilts and coverlets drawn from the MFA’s premier textile collection, the exhibition demonstrates how this art form, considered timeless and democratic by many, has evolved over more than 300 years in the United States and continues to develop today.

Learn more by visiting www.fristartmuseum.org.