Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-26-25

WKOM/WKRM Radio

Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for June 26, 2025

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

We start with local news…

Runaway Teens (MSM)

Local law enforcement have put out a bulletin about a teen couple who are currently missing from Columbia and may be on their way to Florida.

Jezzibelle Curry and Izack Cuarezma are believed to have met up with each other to run away together. At their homes, they reportedly left behind their active phones (though they may have an iPhone 7 which has only Wi-Fi service) and a note indicating that they may be headed to Florida.

Jezzibelle is a 16-year-old female 5′ 2″, 95 lbs with brown hair and green eyes. She was last seen on June 14, 2025, in the area of Williamsport Pike in Columbia.

Izack is a 15-year-old male 5′ 2″, 120 lbs with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen on June 14, 2025, in the area of Lion Parkway in Columbia. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black pants and carrying a black backpack.

Even though it is believed the pair intentionally left home together, concerns remain for their safety.

Anyone with additional information that may assist in this 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

Stacie Wright Remembered (CDH)

Weeks after the devastating May 31 shooting that left two dead and one injured, the Columbia community and families are still dealing with the sorrow left behind. For Stacie Wright, her family is now dealing with the unexpected loss of someone they loved and admired, while demanding justice for her death.

Wright's husband, Sean Wright, took the stand in Columbia June 20, testifying about the night she was killed. He said they had plans to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary later that night and reminisced about the first time they met.

Many in Wright's life saw her as a bright light. Someone who always had a smile on her face at all times, she never raised her voice and was ready to give the clothes off her back at any time, her family says.

For her 33-year-old niece Paige Malone, Wright was all of that and more.

"Her spirit was so loving, so kind and nurturing," Malone said. "She carried so many of her mother's traits, and people who remembered her would say that."

Wright grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana, and moved to Indianapolis before moving to Columbia three years ago.

As Wright's first niece, Malone was often treated as Wright's first child. She grew up with her aunt right by her side, ready to sing "The Boy is Mine" by Brandy and Monica, looking at Malone for telling Wright's mom that she was in her jewelry and bringing edible arrangements on Malone's birthday.

"We had a great relationship," Malone said. "She loved me, spoiled me, cared for me. She was just there for me all the time. I'm sure she never told me no when I asked to go with her somewhere."

Wright was always stylish and was soon nicknamed Hilary, after the character Hilary Banks from the 1990s hit T.V. series "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

When Wright first moved to Indianapolis, Malone was sad, but knew she was only about an hour away. Her move to Columbia was a little harder, but she knew the move would be worth it for Wright, her husband and two children.

"My auntie lived life to the fullest," Malone said with a laugh. "She loved trying different foods and traveling. She was always ready to plan a trip, and she loved Beyoncé. We would always talk about Beyoncé."

Whether they were planning a trip, singing or just talking to one another, Wright left a lasting loving mark on her family.

And now they are left trying to pick up the pieces of the tragic events May 31 when suspect neighbor Byron Childers, 41, charged on multiple counts of murder, shot her and fellow neighbor John Bidle, in the Somerset neighborhood in North Columbia. Bidle also died.

"She didn't deserve this," Malone said. "Her neighbors didn't deserve this, but she did not deserve it at all. It's truly a heinous crime, and it's sickening."

A private ceremony was held for Wright's family in Terre Haute, and the Spring Hill UAW Hall also hosted a day for friends and family to honor the memory of Wright.

"She was a member of Ultium Cells at the battery plant," Spring Hill UAW Local 1853 President John Rutherford said. "We'll open the doors up for that family as well." The UAW held a memorial for the family of Bidle June 14.

Malone said the family appreciates the love the community has shown their family, but they are demanding justice.

"I want justice for my entire family," Malone said, "From Terre Haute to Indianapolis to Tennessee, we want justice."

Childers' case was bound over to the grand jury May 20, following eyewitness testimonies in Maury County Court. Childers is charged on 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.

Although Malone and her family are left dealing with this devastating loss, Malone said her aunt's death will not be in vain, nor will she be forgotten.

"Because of the type of person she was, she will always be remembered," Malone said. "She influenced me in so many ways, and I will now continue to live more like her. Her legacy will live on."

Sheriff’s Office Mourns Loss of Doelle (MauryCountySource)

The Maury County Sheriff’s Department is mourning the unexpected passing of Director William “Bill” Doelle, a respected leader and dedicated law enforcement officer who served as Director of the 22nd Judicial Drug Task Force. He passed away on Saturday, June 21, following a brief illness.

With a career in law enforcement that spanned nearly 42 years, Director Doelle was widely known for his leadership, commitment to public service, and strong support for his fellow officers. He was described by many as unforgettable, not only for his professional accomplishments but for the lasting impact he made on those around him.

In addition to his work with the Drug Task Force, Doelle served as President of the Tennessee Narcotic Officers Association (TNOA), an organization he helped shape from its earliest days. He spent over 20 years on its Board of Directors, mentoring and supporting narcotics officers across the state.

Director Doelle’s passing is a significant loss for both his department and the broader law enforcement community in Tennessee.

Mt. Pleasant Passes Budget (MSM)

The Mt. Pleasant City Commission approved the 2025-26 fiscal year budget with the same property tax rate last week.

To meet expenses, the city budgeted a deficit of a little under a million dollars. They agreed to maintain the property tax rate of $1.69 per $100 of assessed value.

“When you all set the budget, it’s the law, so when we over-expend any of those appropriations, we’re breaking the law,” Finance Director Shiphrah Cox warned the city commissioners, with a touch of humor.

The board also received welcome announcements that the two big local projects, the renovation of the city Square (by the city and TDOT) and the renovation of the Columbia Pike Bridge (all TDOT), are “substantially complete” and should reopen by the middle of July.

Lee Rogers, TDOT’s manager for District 38, explained that delays in the bridge work came from freezing winter temperatures, which prevented the pouring of concrete, and recent rains which delayed the final step of grading the asphalt up from the road to the bridge. Rogers Group, Inc. will lay the final stone and pavement layers this week, then paint and install guardrails by the first week in July, and finally open it to the public by the second week of the month.

The TDOT manager praised the speedy work and the city’s resolve, in the face of inevitable public complaints, to close both lanes for work. Though he himself “was getting phone calls about every five minutes” when it first closed, the decision is credited for reducing the work time from 18 months to seven months, saved the state a few million dollars and delivered a better bridge in the end.

“Another month from now, and everybody will forget it,” cracked Commissioner Mike Davis.

Rogers also brought up the many requests TDOT has gotten to drop the speed limit in downtown Mt. Pleasant (the intersection of two state highways) from 25 to 15 miles per hour.

“It would be at no cost to y’all, we would supply [and] install the signs… [and] it’s totally y’all’s call,” he told the commissioners.

The commissioners promised to give him their recommendation at the July meeting, and expressed their appreciation for TDOT’s attitude and work.

“From day one, you have kept us involved. Thank you,” Mayor Bill White said.

“I’ve lived a lot of places, and I appreciate the fact that TDOT doesn’t just come here and do whatever they want to do — they’re actually asking for the community’s input,” Commissioner Pam Johnston said.

City Manager Philip Grooms reported that the city Square, which was partly funded by TDOT because it was bounded by state roads, would be substantially complete by June 27. Only landscaping wouldn’t be ready, since TDOT requires them to plant in the fall. In the meantime, the Main Street organization would work with the city to set out umbrellas in place of trees over the picnic tables TDOT is now installing.

“I’ve heard compliments about it in the last week, and it’s good to finally hear those,” Grooms said.

He also reported that the parking lot to City Hall is open again, the bathrooms at Arrow Mines Park are finished and work on the utility lines under East Merchant Street is complete.

The city also agreed to enter into an agreement Civil & Environmental Consulting to overhaul its underground utilities, and advertised the groundbreaking of the new Xxentria Technology Materials factory Wednesday, June 18.

Worldwide Stages to Expand (CDH)

Worldwide Stages, located at the Northfield Building just north of Columbia, is embarking on a new effort to expand and transform the site into six data centers and four production soundstages.

Plans for the new concept were introduced before the Spring Hill Planning Commission during its June 23 meeting as two items, one to annex 18 additional acres to the existing 38-acre lot and the other a rezone request to allow for institutional campus (IC) use.

Construction would include demolishing approximately 250,000 square feet of office space, while consolidating the total 56-acre property into six new data centers and four production soundstages, totaling nearly 400,000 square feet altogether.

One concern brought up regarding the request was its increase in utility use due to the nature of the facility, Spring Hill Senior Planner Gilles Morin said. More studies would be needed to determine what would be required in the project's future master plan.

"Additional infrastructure will be necessary for full buildout," Morin said. "The existing power to the existing structure should be sufficient for Phase 1. The intense cooling demands associated with a large data center will require a significant increase in power. Data centers for AI and other technologies are consuming more and more electricity."

Columbia Power & Water Systems also allocates water use to the existing structure but cannot be exceeded at any time. This includes any additional property that would be annexed.

In 2021, Worldwide Stages purchased the Northfield property from the City of Spring Hill for $9.2 million with a 10-year vision of renovating the 320,000-square-foot former Saturn headquarters into a "premier campus for the world's entertainment industry," according to the company's slogan.

Since opening in 2023, the facility has hosted a number of artists, events and even production of an Amazon television series.

Jeff Rosiak of Gamble Design Collaborative, representing Worldwide Stages, said while the company's vision remains, it has needed to rethink its original plan and adapt to recent changes in the industry.

"This goal was to include a series of phases of development over a 10-year period," Rosiak said. "These productions all align with their initial goal, which was to build new, larger soundstages to focus on kind of extending the lifecycle of the building, which is now 40 years old. Over the past four years, though, the industry and Worldwide Stages' vision have evolved."

Rosiak added that this new vision includes a "digital forward" approach with LED walls and backdrops powered by computer server banks, AI technologies, smaller physical spaces and general warehouse use.

The increase in power use could also be accommodated as it develops congruently with planned expansions at CPWS, Rosiak said.

"We know that CPWS has plans for a new substation in the next 3-5 years, which aligns really well with the timing and projections of Worldwide Stages, and so those power needs would be met as site plans come online as well," Rosiak said.

As discussion was brought back to planners, Spring Hill Mayor Matt Fitterer called the request an "appropriate annexation."

"It aligns with the goals of the comprehensive plan and the stated policy of the City of Spring Hill," Fitterer said.

No votes were taken on the proposed annexation or rezone request, but both items will reappear before the planning commission again in July.

Independence Day Celebration (MauryCountySource)

Columbia Main Street invites the community to a special July First Fridays celebration on Friday, July 4 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in the heart of historic downtown Columbia!

This month’s event is a patriotic partnership with Columbia Noon Rotary, Columbia Breakfast Rotary, and the Kiwanis Club of Columbia to host a family-friendly Independence Day celebration.

In addition to the usual First Fridays festivities, one of the highlights at the event is the  Children’s Patriotic Bike Parade, kicking off at 5:30 PM. Young participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes, wagons, or scooters in red, white, and blue and join the fun! Parade lineup begins at 5:00 PM in the City of Columbia Lower Parking Garage on North Main Street. Led by a live drumline and Uncle Sam himself, the parade will travel around the downtown district, culminating in a special honoring ceremony to celebrate our country immediately following the parade. This is a free community event, and participation in the bike parade is free and open to all children.

Throughout the evening, visitors can enjoy shopping and dining at downtown retailers and restaurants staying open late, browse a variety of local craft and maker vendors, grab delicious bites and drinks from food trucks and beverage vendors, and experience live performances by talented street musicians.

For updates, follow Columbia Main Street on Facebook or visit www.columbiamainstreet.com. Come celebrate community, creativity, and country this First Fridays!

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.

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.

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

William “Bill” G. Doelle, 66, died Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center following a brief illness.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, June 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery with honors provided by the Maury County Sherriff’s Department. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Friday from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM at 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…

Historic Studio For Sale (Tennessean)

The Music Row building where artists such as Johnny Cash and George Strait recorded songs is now on the market for $4.65 million.

The studio at 1033 16th Avenue South is a landmark of music history.

Once home to Emerald Sound Studio, the building was built in 1920 with another portion being added in the late 1970s expanding it to 8,500 square feet. Owner Mark Utley said he purchased the building on a 0.32-acre property in 2007.

“At the time I bought it, it was actually in bankruptcy,” said Utley. “It did need some work. We went in there with the intention of doing all the renovations.”

Among its many landmark moments in music history, country music supergroup The Highwaymen recorded their “Highwayman 2" album at Emerald Sound Studio in 1989. The group included Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson.

The building now has three recording studios, multiple sound isolation and vocal booths, rooms for songwriting and areas with advanced sound dampening.

“It could probably be perfect for an artist, a publishing company or a record label,” Utley said. “The building is in incredible condition and everything's been updated.”

The soundproofing makes it perfect for someone looking to continue the building’s connection to the music industry, according to Mike Jacobs, the Avison Young broker leading the listing.

“It may be another music producer that can just slide right in,” Jacobs said. “One of the main points here is that they've got pretty advanced sound dampening in several of the rooms, and that is pretty rare.”

The wood inside the building is oak and there are also hardwood floors that Utley said show the building was built in a different time.

“We want to get in the right hands because of the history,” Utley said.

Crockett Statue to Replace Carmack at Capitol (TNLookout)

Tennessee is planning to install a bronze statue of legendary frontiersman David Crockett by fall 2026 in front of the State Capitol.

The estimated $1 million project is going through the design phase, then will face a state committee evaluation before being erected late next year, in time for the inauguration of the state’s next governor in early 2027, according to state Architect Ann McGauran. She updated the State Building Commission’s Executive Subcommittee on the schedule Monday.

The Tennessee Capitol Commission previously approved the Crockett statue project after the Edward Carmack statue in front of the Capitol along Martin Luther King Boulevard was toppled during 2020 protests that roiled the nation following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The statue of Carmack, who died in a 1908 shootout with political rivals, was put up in 1927. The former U.S. representative and newspaper executive who clashed with civil rights activist Ida B. Wells over his support for lynching, was considered a martyr for the prohibition movement at the time.

A bust of Crockett already sits on the second floor of the State Capitol, signifying his importance in the history of Tennessee, where he was born in the eastern part of the state and gained a reputation as a hunter, fighter and story teller before serving in the state legislature and Congress.

Crockett joined the Texas fight for independence from Mexico and died at the Alamo in 1836.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium has announced the return of Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit for a six-night residency this October, marking the 10th anniversary of their celebrated annual performances at the iconic venue.

The 2025 residency kicks off on Thursday, Oct. 16, and will once again feature a handpicked lineup of special guests. For their opening acts this year, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit have partnered with public schools and music programs across the Southeast to highlight some of the educators and students working to shape the next generation of live music.

Tickets are available now at ryman.com.