Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-23-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for June 23, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Childers Case to Go Before Grand Jury (CDH)

The case against Byron Childers will be submitted to a grand jury following his June 20 court date regarding the May 31 Columbia shooting which killed two neighbors and injured another.

Maury County General Sessions Court, with presiding Judge Bobby Sands, heard the case last week, which included multiple witness testimonies of the events of that day, including the surviving spouses of the two victims killed, 46-year-old John Bidle and 51-year-old Stacie Wright.

At the time of his May 31 arrest, 46-year-old Childers was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of aggravated assault, one count of assault, firearm use in association with a dangerous felony and carjacking. 

After nearly two hours of testimonies and arguments by attorneys, it was decided the case would be submitted to a grand jury, with the defense seeking an evaluation of Childers' mental state. Two of the initial charges, attempted first-degree murder and firearm use in association with a dangerous felony, were also dropped.

The dropped charges were related to the incident's third victim, ice-cream truck driver Mandu Johnson, who also received gunshot wounds. He was not present at the hearing due to surgery related to his injuries, Assistant District Attorney Pamela Anderson, representing the prosecution, said.

"[Judge Sands] bound over the cases, and there were charges related to Mandu Johnson," Anderson said. "Those were dismissed but can be added back to the grand jury. The judge found probable cause, and so the case will now be submitted to the grand jury of Maury County."

Metro Police Detective Jason Lyons, who was also involved in the May 31 incident, took the stand first.

Lyons, who was off duty at the time, but lives in the north Columbia neighborhood, went to investigate after hearing what he at first thought were loud power tools.

"I heard a lot of yelling down the street, and when I saw people running down the street I figured it probably wasn't power tools or hammers," Lyons said. "Something was going on."

Upon investigating at Somerset Lane, Lyons said he noticed Childers approach the passenger side of his truck, with Bidle's lifeless body in the street.

"He dove headfirst into the open window of my truck," Lyons said. "I thought he might be a victim. He was saying, 'Go, go, they are shooting.' With Mr. Bidle's body lying on the ground and a gun lying next to him, I thought we had an active shooter in the neighborhood, but didn't know it was this person."

After driving about 100 feet, Lyons said Childers began punching him in the face and attempting to grab the steering wheel.

"I was able to put the truck in park and get out of the driver's seat, and he fully slid into the driver's seat of my truck, but I grabbed the keys and created distance," Lyons said.

Once officers arrived and subdued Childers, Lyons said he was able to determine Bidle had died.

"I had a med kit with me and observed that Mr. Bidle was clearly deceased, and at that point I was informed Mrs. Stacie Wright had been shot inside her residence," Lyons said.

Amy Bidle, wife of John Bidle, took the stand wearing one of her late husband's mechanic shirts.

"It's what he used to wear as a mechanic, or if he was just out in the garage, and I've worn it every day since," Bidle said. "It makes me feel like he is still here with me."

Bidle said she was inside her family's Somerset Lane home with the couple's 13-year-old daughter and a friend when she initially heard Childers shout, "Give me your [expletive] keys," to her husband, but wasn't sure what the situation was about.

"[John] was outside in the garage working on the porch railing," Bidle said. "He walked in the house ... grabbed the keys and went outside the front door."

After hearing the first gunshots, Bidle looked and noticed her husband's body lying on the ground, with Childers standing over him. A nearby postal worker was standing nearby, with Childers allegedly saying, "I just shot somebody."

"My daughter Melonie said Mr. Childers was banging his gun on the street, and I told her to go upstairs and I went out to the garage," Bidle said.

"I stood and froze, and the mailman said he had to call 911. Mr. Childers turned around, looked at me and said, 'It's all going to be okay, that we are all going to own this,' and asked if I trusted him. I just said, 'Yes,' because at that point in time, I was fearing for my life."

John Bidle, who was an employee at General Motors and a member of the United Auto Workers Local 1853, was honored Saturday, June 14 at the Spring Hill Union Hall.

"It's been an emotional roller coaster, and there's been ups and downs," Amy Bidle told The Daily Herald. "It's been wonderful seeing the outpouring of friends, how he got along with people, loved cars and really knew his stuff."

Sean Wright, husband of Stacie Wright and the hearing's final witness, gave a detailed and sometimes tearful account of the May 31 shooting, which he said was to celebrate the couple's 20th anniversary.

"We had plans to do something that Saturday," Wright said. "I said I was going to take a nap, lay down and get some rest so we could go out to dinner that night. When she came and woke me up, we were just talking, reminiscing about when we met and stuff like that."

While sitting there on the bed, the Wrights received an alert on the front door's ring camera that somebody was outside.

"She went downstairs thinking it was an Amazon package, and I was still lying in bed and my daughter was in her room, and my son was with a friend," Wright said. "That's when we heard what was going on outside where all of the gunshots happened."

When Stacie Wright opened the door, she was met with gunshots.

"I heard her scream, and I jumped out of the bed and my daughter came down behind me. My wife said 'Somebody's shooting," Wright said. "I could see the bullet holes in the wall, the smoke or dust from the drywall ... I thought it was a home invasion, or an attempted home invasion by the way it happened."

With his wife still alive, but badly wounded, Wright said he ran to the garage to see if anyone had broken in.

"I opened the garage door a little bit, and I looked out and couldn't see anything," Wright said. "I saw Mr. Bidle laying on the ground and Amy was talking to the postman. I really didn't know what was going on and ran back into the house to call 911."

Stacie Wright was later transferred to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, where she ultimately succumbed to her wounds.

UAW Strives to Find Jobs for Adient Layoffs (CDH)

Workers affected by the impending layoffs at Columbia's Adient manufacturing plant appear to have a potential opportunity to secure future jobs within the Maury County area.

Based out of Plymouth, Michigan, Adient is the largest global manufacturer of automotive seating. The plant, located at 2206 Oakland Parkway, is set to close Friday, June 27, and will include 95 layoffs, approximately 55 of whom are members of the United Auto Workers Local 1853.

UAW President John Rutherford said the closure was primarily due to "logistics."

"The contract expired this year, and they told us the first day of negotiations that there wasn't any sense in negotiating a new contract because they were planning to close their doors this year," Rutherford said. "From what they told us, it was 'logistics.'"

Rutherford added that news of the shutdown came without much warning.

"We were blindsided, and they didn't give us any kind of heads up, no courtesy, no nothing. We just showed up to negotiate and, poof, we are closed," he said.

While the plant closure will mean loss of work, Rutherford said the UAW is coordinating with Spring Hill's Magna plant to potentially offer Adient workers new jobs to transition into, if interested.

"We are working with Magna at the other seating facility and their management to try to get them a job as Magna hires in the future, and that they look to hire our laid off brothers and sisters first," Rutherford said.

"We have an agreement where they are going to look into that if they are hired. We are trying to get them a job ASAP, but it's unfortunate news they are going to close the Adient facility down."

In Lexington, Tennessee, another Adient manufacturing facility will also close in June, affecting 320 more workers.

Hundreds of workers across Middle Tennessee from Nashville to Murfreesboro have been affected by layoffs or closures this spring such as Saks 5th Avenue distribution center closing in LaVergne affecting 446 workers. Quickway Transportation Inc. also shut down its Murfreesboro operations in June, impacting 45 workers.

City of Columbia Passes Budget (Press Release)

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the Columbia City Council adopted the City’s fiscal year 2025–2026 budget on final consideration. The approved budget, totaling $88,953,406 for all funds, was achieved without a property tax increase and ensures the maintenance and enhancement of core City services.

The FY 2025–26 budget reflects strategic, plan-driven investments across all City departments. A key focus is continuing to invest in City employees, including a 4% salary increase for all personnel, to enhance the City’s competitiveness in recruiting and retaining staff.

Mayor Chaz Molder stated, “This year’s budget marks a major milestone as the largest operating budget in our city’s history, and I couldn’t be more proud of what it represents. It reflects a solid financial foundation, a strong commitment to improving infrastructure, and a clear focus on serving our residents. I’m especially thankful for the talented team of professionals who work tirelessly each year to develop a budget that meets our city’s evolving needs. This plan will touch every corner of our community, and I look forward to seeing its impact through the many projects it will bring to life. Most importantly, I’m proud that it once again prioritizes investment in our workforce—our city’s most valuable resource—which underscores the Council’s continued dedication to our employees.”

Of the total budget, 58% ($51,773,323) is allocated to the City’s General Fund, the primary operating fund that supports most of the City’s core services, including public works, parks, fire, police, and administration. The General Fund saw a 9.5% increase ($4.5 million) over last year. City Manager Tony Massey remarked, “By investing in our workforce and critical infrastructure, we are ensuring Columbia can consistently provide exceptional services to its residents. This budget demonstrates our strong commitment to strategic planning and responsible financial stewardship.”

This budget also includes several capital projects and initiatives. Nearly $52.7 million is allocated for the City’s FY 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The five-year CIP, totaling $124.6 million, includes major multi-year projects such as street resurfacing, improvements at the Nashville Highway and Bear Creek Pike intersection, Iron Bridge and Mt. Olivet Bridge replacement projects, technology and capital equipment replacements, a new wastewater treatment plant, public works storage and fuel facility, downtown wayfinding signage, and over $2 million in improvements to the Columbia Aquatics and Recreation Center.

Assistant City Manager and CFO Thad Jablonski noted, “Dedicated to improving quality of life for all Columbia citizens and businesses, this budget maintains existing tax rates and fees with no increases. The city continues to maintain historically strong reserves and a healthy, low and manageable level of debt. By combining disciplined financial management with targeted investments in infrastructure, we are building a strong foundation for the city’s continued prosperity.”

Access the full FY 2025–2026 budget at ColumbiaTN.gov.

Business Start-Up Workshop (Press Release)

Curious about how to fund your business idea or take your growing business to the next level? Finding Your Funding sponsored by Maury Alliance, brings together regional experts to help you navigate the landscape of venture capital, business loans, and other financial resources available across Tennessee.

Hear directly from Eller Kelliher, Chief Investment Officer at Launch TN, and Keyunta Dawson, Director of Commercial Real Estate & Entrepreneurship at Pathway Lending, as they break down what different funding paths can look like—and how to know what’s right for you. You will also hear from Betsy Wood, a local entrepreneur bringing over 30 years of experience to the table.

This event is hosted in partnership with theCO, Southwest Tennessee’s Entrepreneur Center and InvestTN representative for the region.

It takes place on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM at The Mulehouse, located at 812 S. High St. in Columbia.

For more information, visit www.mauryalliance.com.

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.

Size-Up Maury (Press Release)

Join Maury Alliance for a dynamic Lunch & Learn session and discover how to leverage SizeUp Maury—a powerful, interactive business intelligence tool designed to help small and medium-sized businesses grow and compete smarter.

Whether you're launching a new venture or scaling an existing one, SizeUp Maury provides free access to market research, industry data, competitive analysis, and more—all customized for Maury County businesses.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

• Benchmark your business against local and national competitors

• Identify new customers and suppliers using geographic and demographic insights

• Optimize your marketing by targeting ideal customers

• Make data-driven decisions using real-time market intelligence

Event Details:

Date: July 16 

Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Location: Attend in person or virtually from anywhere

Fees:

• Virtual Attendance: $15

• In-Person Attendance: $25 (includes lunch)

Don't miss this opportunity to explore how SizeUp Maury can help your business thrive in today's competitive landscape!

Leadership Maury (Press Release)

Leadership Maury is a countywide personal development program designed to motivate participants to develop and enhance the quality of their leadership in addressing pertinent community needs. The program is open to people who live, work, or make a significant contribution to Maury County through volunteer work. Class members meet with local decision-makers in several sectors of the community, such as business, government, health, public services and agriculture. Participants will visit places all over the county to hear speakers and participate in activities to help them learn about Maury County and how to positively impact where they live, learn, work and play. 

Applications are available now!

Visit www.mauryalliance.com to apply.

Deadline to apply is July 15, 2025.

The purpose of the Leadership Maury program is TO:

• Help leaders prepare for volunteer responsibility in the community.

• Provide these leaders with a practical and sophisticated understanding of major problems and opportunities facing Maury County.

• Facilitate access between emerging leaders and the current leadership of the community.

• Improve the communications network among leaders with diverse backgrounds and interests.

• Create a setting for persons of demonstrated commitment to the community to meet and exchange ideas.

• Stimulate increased community participation and commitment.

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…

Ricky Wayne Hood, 60, passed away Thursday, June 19, 2025 at his residence.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 5:00 PM till 8:00 PM, and on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 10:00 AM till the time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…

Vandy Medical to Make Cuts (Tennessean)

Vanderbilt University Medical Center officials have announced ongoing layoffs that could affect up to 650 employees, as well as a $300 million reduction in operating costs. This reflects a nationwide trend in the healthcare industry of downsizing research programs in response to federal budget cuts.

Approximately 500 employees are being laid off in June, partly due to federal cuts to indirect costs previously covered by National Institutes of Health research grants nationwide. President Donald Trump's proposed budget would slash the NIH budget by $18 billion next year, according to a USA TODAY report, marking the largest cut to any single government agency.

Vanderbilt's reductions, which affect less than 2% of staff, will mostly impact research, administrative and other support jobs. The medical center is providing severance packages and other assistance.

Federal funding reductions are expected to be felt broadly across hospitals, health systems and medical research organizations.

Dr. James Hildreth, president and CEO of Meharry Medical College, told The Tennessean in March that he feared NIH cuts could deliver a "crushing" blow of $30 million or more to key research programs. By June, he said the cuts are deeper than he initially feared, slashing their research budget by $50 million — a reduction of over 41%.

Hildreth said layoffs are "inevitable," but he didn't specify when jobs would be eliminated or how many employees would be impacted.

Hildreth also expressed concerns about a double blow: first, the proposed 15% cap on indirect research costs from the NIH, overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, the Trump administration's targeting of research focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) threatens the core mission of the 149-year-old Meharry Medical College, one of the nation's oldest and largest historically Black academic health science centers.

"If the indirect costs are capped at 15%, I can tell you that many institutions will have no choice but to shrink their research enterprise," Hildreth said in March.

Meharry officials issued an alert to supporters and alumni about the federal funding cuts, requesting donations. Hildreth reported a positive response, though he did not disclose the amount raised. He is also exploring other cost-cutting measures to preserve as many jobs as possible.

"In response to the impact of budgetary actions in Washington, D.C. related to government-sponsored research and patient care, VUMC is reducing operating costs by more than $300 million and reducing its workforce," John Howser, head of Vanderbilt Communications said in a statement.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The Nashville Film Festival (NashFilm), a week-long celebration of film, music and culture, announced the key venues for its 56th annual event, taking place September 18–24, 2025. This year’s festival will showcase nearly 150 films on screen across 7 days at Regal Green Hills and the Belcourt Theatre. Additional event venues will continue to be announced throughout the summer.

The Nashville Film Festival also confirmed the continued expansion of their Education Screening Program serving Metro Nashville Public School (MNPS) students in partnership with the Frist Art Museum. 

For more information on the Nashville Film festival, visit nashvillefilmfestival.org/