Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-18-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM Radio. Your hometown news, broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Thursday, July 18th, and we start with local news. Columbia City officials broke ground on its new wastewater treatment plant, taking the first steps on what has become the largest investment project in the city's history. The project totals approximately $95 and a half million dollars from the city and was recently approved to begin construction starting July 15th. The city marked the occasion with a ceremonial groundbreaking on Monday. Wastewater director Donnie Bocher said that this was very much a need, given the current facility was built in 1978 and has worn out its useful lifetime. The biggest reason we are building this plant is the age of the old facility, Bocher said. Even if there wasn't a lot of growth, we would still have to do something. City manager, Tony Massey, agreed that this was a major need for the city, given the plant's old age. We are talking about doing this project even before all of the growth became an issue with us, Massey said. The new plant is expected to be fully operational by June of 2028, Bocher said, but customers won't expect any change to the service provided. This is due to the need to transition the old plant to the new one, which could take more than a year after the new facility is complete. The first phase, which is to bring the new plant online, is anticipated to be completed in April of 2027. Phase two will involve the transition and to do so without disrupting services. That will be about a 13 month project, Bocher said. For 30 days after it's time to bring the new plant on, we will shuffle between the new plant and the old plant until we get everything lined up. Everything has to run continuously as it's being built, he said. Ward five councilman Danny Coleman, who attended Monday's groundbreaking, said a big part of this new plant is the longevity it will sustain for future generations. This is going to be something that lasts 40 to 50 years into the future. It's getting ahead of problems when it comes to managing water rather than waiting until we are in crisis mode, Coleman said. This is happening just in time. So we aren't jumping the gun by any means, but timing wise, we are doing a good thing for Columbia's future growth, he said. The new plant will feature many upgrades in modern day technology, which will not only provide a much greater daily average while also remaining energy efficient. The current facility Bocher said pumps an average of five to six million gallons per day with a capacity to pump 14 million. The new plant is expected to up that average to about 25 million per day, which could elevate to about 35 million during periods of heavy rain. The new plant will also provide state-of-the-art filtering equipment, which will make removing some of the tougher materials easier and environmentally friendly. One thing that gets harder and harder to treat is the nitrogen and phosphorus out of the wastewater, Bocher said. This new process will do it all biologically and no external chemicals injected into the water. We do not use chemicals to treat at our existing facility, but as our limits continue to get tighter on nutrient removal, these oxidation ditches will get rid of all of the phosphorus and nitrogen biologically. It will be much more energy efficient, he said. Massey added that more, added more about the new plant's benefits. This new plant will be much more environmentally friendly, especially if we are relying on biological processes to treat the waste to sludge. And because of that, we will be using less chemicals and less electricity, Massey said. "It's truly a 21st century treatment plant "in a much superior design than what we've got right now," he said. With a project of this magnitude, it will certainly come with its share of cost, one that could affect customer sewer rates. Earlier this year, Columbia City Council approved of the rate increase with the extra funds feeding directly into the new plant's cost. This was the first time the city adopted a rate increase in more than a decade. However, the increase will likely be unnoticeable to most customers and will more likely affect the new developers and companies with industrial use. "The majority of the increase is going to go "to industrial users," big users Coleman said. "I can't quote on the exactness of the regular rate increase, "but this rate will be heavily focused on developers. "We're talking about sense of an increase "for regular users," he said. Nashville Metro Council member Courtney Johnston outraised incumbent U.S. Representative Andy Ogles nearly threefold during the last quarter in the Republican primary for Tennesseans 5th Congressional District, according to federal campaign finance disclosures. Johnston entered the final days of the heated primary with more than $500,000 in the bank. Double Ogles' cash on hand. As total spending in the race nears $1 million, the financial disclosures show. Meanwhile, outside the political action committees have poured another $500,000 into the race with PAC money supporting Johnston coming from inside Tennessee, while Ogles is boosted without of state dollars. Johnston is challenging freshman incumbent Ogles to represent Tennessee's 5th Congressional District, which was redrawn in 2022. It now only includes a portion of Nashville. Johnston raised $721,185 in the last quarter, according to a federal disclosure filed this week. She spent $216,157 this quarter, leaving her with just over $500,000 for the final weeks of the campaign. Notable donors to her campaign include former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, former Nashville First Lady Laura Cooper, former U.S. Senator Bob Corker, former U.S. Senator Bill Frist, Nashville developer Tony Jartana, state representative Pat Marsh, former Nashville Vice Mayor Jim Schulman and others. Johnston has also received $220,000 in support from an independent political action committee, conservatives with character PAC, which is funding ad buys for her. The PAC is funded by donors entirely from Tennessee, including $140,000 contribution from the Best of Tennessee Action Fund, formed to tackle ideological extremism in the state. Ogles' campaign raised significantly less than his challenger, bringing in just under $264,000 this quarter, including contributions from U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell. Many contributions to Ogles' campaign came from outside of Tennessee, including several contributions from Virginia, Arizona, and Florida residents. Ogles spent just over $100,000 of his own campaign funds. He has just under $255,000 going into the final quarter, according to his filing. Ogles' campaign has also received nearly $225,000 in backing from national super PACs funded from out-of-state dollars. Americans for Prosperity Action, a national super PAC that is openly coordinating with Ogles' campaign on door-to-door outreach, has spent more than $177,000 in ad buys and mailers, selling Ogles and his priorities of fiscal conservatism and limited government to voters. AFP action is funded primarily by libertarian billionaire Charles Koch. Less than 1% of the PAC's funding came from Tennessee, this cycle. Ogles has also gotten independent support from other national super PACs, including Club for Growth PAC, House Freedom Action, and Gun Rights America. Democrat Miriam Abell Fosley brought in $169,161 last quarter. She spent just under $95,000, leaving her with $74,000 going into the general election. She is unopposed in the Democratic primary. Murray Regional's Women's Center has achieved accreditation under the American College of Surgeons or ACS National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, or NAPBC. Murray Regional Women's Center voluntarily participates with ACS NAPBC to ensure women receive exceptional breast health services from screening to cancer treatment. The benefits of accreditation align with our mission for clinical excellence and compassionate care, said Murray Regional CEO, Dr. Martin Chaney. It's our goal to be the organization our community can trust for health and wellness, especially for diseases that impact so many of our friends and family like breast cancer, he said. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States after skin cancer, affecting one in eight women. Programs accredited by the NAPBC follow a model for organizing and managing a breast center to facilitate multidisciplinary, integrated and comprehensive breast cancer services. The NAPBC focuses on the spectrum of a patient's journey with breast cancer or breast disease, including prevention, screening, treatment and survivorship. By setting high standards, NAPBC accreditation guides, breast centers rather to providing comprehensive breast care based on scientific evidence. The requirements for accreditation include a detailed evaluation of multiple standards alongside an onsite visit every three years. This process is completed by a trained reviewer from NAPBC to ensure that the medical organization is compliant. I wanna personally commend the multidisciplinary team of physicians and professional caregivers for their commitment to breast health by obtaining the recent reaccreditation status from the National Accreditation Program for breast cancers, said administrative director of oncology, Dana Salters. This national recognition will grant assurance to patients that state of the art breast healthcare is available here in our community, she said. Murray Regional Women's Center provides support services and educational programs on conditions and topics facing women today. These services include 3D mammography, breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and bone density studies. As an NAPBC accredited institution, Murray Regional Women's Center also becomes an ACS surgical quality partner. Being a surgical quality partner signifies an institution's dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches while maintaining a critical eye on processes at every step. The surgical quality partner designation lets patients know Murray Regional Medical Center is dedicated to quality and relentless self-improvement and has been verified or accredited by the ACS. Patients can trust that the care they receive at surgical quality partner hospitals adheres to the most rigorous standards in surgical quality. ACS quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience and participation is an important measure of a hospital surgical quality. As an ACS surgical quality partner, Murray Regional Medical Center has shown a commitment to providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement. Said ACS Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patricia L. Turner. You can learn more about Murray Regional's Women's Center by visiting www.murriregional.com/women. Members of Murray County's Budget Committee discussed but declined to send forward the potential purchase of a bookstore property adjacent to the new judicial center during their meeting in July prior to the vote which failed by a five-to-do margin. Committee Chairman Tommy Wiliver pointed out that because the purchase had received a motion and a second, it could be brought forward to the full commission at the request of two commissioners, regardless of the budget committee's vote. County Attorney Daniel Murphy said a proposed contract had a sale price of $900,000 for the one-stop bookshop and that that amount could be broken up over two years. He also noted that the contract did not require closure until the end of September, but that $10,000 in earnest money would be needed requiring a budget amendment. Finance Director Doug Luconan said interests from the American Rescue Plan Act funds could be used and that about $1.5 million was available for a capital project. Because that is interest from ARPA funds, it can be used for any capital purpose without the ARPA restrictions. County Mayor Sheila Butt said she originally was against the purchase, but that many people do not want to see that becomes something that doesn't work well there, like a vape shop or tattoo parlor, let each of us vote what we think is best for our constituents and the people of Murray County, she said. Commissioner Scott Sumner said the county should look toward the future in considering the purchase, but motioned to authorize the mayor to offer $600,000 instead. Sumner's motion failed by a five to do vote, but he also encouraged commissioners to let their voters know that buying the property would not use Murray County tax dollars as the funding was instead coming from interest earned off of federal grant money. I cannot look my constituents in the face and take a match and light up $1.5 million because that's what it's going to cost to get 39 parking spaces countered Commissioner Kathy Grodai. "I am not for buying this building," she said. Jerry Strand said, "This is a real lose-lose situation. If we leave that building there, we'll be considered to be idiots. If we spend a million dollars for it, we're going to be idiots. Why don't we make a fair offer for it? Let them turn it down. And then there, the idiots," he said. The issue appeared on the agenda for the July full commission meeting, but was postponed until August. Candidates for the Murray County Board of Education made their respective cases for election to the public last week at a forum hosted by Murray Alliance. The school board candidate forum was held at Columbia State Community College. Murray Alliance also has a candidate guide available on its website in which each candidate answered a number of questions. "One of the priorities of our organization is to impact our community in a meaningful way. I think we'll all agree there's not much more that impacts a community than its public education system," said Will Evans, president of Murray Alliance. "It sets the foundation for our future workforce and is a key factor which many consider when looking to locate to a community," he said. "Six of the board's 11 seats will be on the August 1st County general election ballot with districts 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 up for grabs. Of the five seats, only one incumbent, Justin Halka, of District 5 is seeking to stay on. Halka, who was appointed to the seat in April of 2024, is looking to fill the remainder of an unexpired term. Seven of the 10 candidates participated in the forum with each receiving five minutes to speak. The forum was moderated by Jake Langston. "I think school board is probably the most important county office that there is. There's a lot of negative publicity that comes out about what the school system does, but good things don't make the headlines," said Frank Bellamy, who said he worked in Murray County Public Schools for 27 years. "It's hard to get people to run for office, but it's easy to get people to complain," added Bellamy, who is running in District 2 as an independent. "I want to vote for the person and what they stand for, not for what the party says I need to stand for," he said. Bellamy is running against Robert Plageman, who is also running as an independent. "I look at my children's future. I want the best for them, and that's why I'm up here," Plageman said. "I want our students to be set up for whatever endeavors they want to get into after high school. There are so many more options out there today, trade schools, community colleges, going into the workforce or starting a business," he said. Plageman said his top values were education, supporting and keeping good teachers and providing transparency in the school system. In District 4, I'm sorry, in District 4, Republican nominee Darryl Martin will face independent Chandler Anderson. "I'm concerned about kids of our community," Martin said. "As a realtor, I've seen where clients will bring up, how's your school system? When you start comparing us to some other counties, it can look negative. We've got to bring the bar up," he said. "My hope is to be part of a board that works together, not against one another, not against the staff and administration. We ought to be setting the standard, not chasing the standard," he said. Anderson said Murray County had great teachers, saying, "We have to give them the tools they need to do their job." Anderson said he was pro-vocational schools and pro-teacher. "If you want to know why we're having trouble in public schools, it's because we started relying on a test instead of a teacher to tell us if our kids are meeting standards or not," he said. "When we take the ability to promote a kid out of the hands of a teacher because of one test, we're making a mistake." In District 5, Hauke, who is not present, will take on independent David Moore, a former school board member who promoted his passion for education and for advocacy. As an elected official, we have an obligation to the citizens to be accessible. The school system is pretty confusing at times. One of the things I was proud of as a board member was being able to assist people to understand the processes so they can affect the change they're looking for," he said. District 6 candidate Sue Stevenson is unopposed and did not participate in the forum, nor did District 8 Republican candidate Brandon Babcock. District 8 Democratic candidate Greg Hannah said, "My wife is a recently retired high school teacher. My family really cares about public education." Hannah said as a board member, he wanted to focus on early education skills, attracting and retaining teachers and improving ACT scores and graduation rates. We have to focus on reading. We also need to focus on math. Getting children reading and doing math at grade level in the third and fourth grade is key to their success later, Hannah said. "We've got to improve the working condition so we don't have teachers losing their planning period or serve as a pipeline to Williamson County." Lisa Webster-Dawson is running unopposed as an independent in District 10. "I've raised two boys and now have grandchildren in the Mount Pleasant system," Webster-Dawson said. She called for more counselors to help children deal with mental health issues, saying, "Our schools are the heart of our community. We need to step up as a parent. We need to talk to the children and see what the problems are. We must work together to explore solutions for funding to ensure every child has access to a well-rounded education. I believe in the power of cooperation between schools, parents and the community," she said. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. James Butler, J.B. Long, '98, a longtime resident of Columbia, died Monday, July 15th at the bridge of Columbia, assisted living. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, July 19th, at 11 a.m. at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Barrio will follow in Pope Memorial Gardens, with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin, American Legion Post-19. Visitation will be on Friday, July 19th, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Shirley Jean Spires-Bunting, 71, a longtime resident of Columbia and retired store manager from McDonald's, died Saturday, July 13th at Murray Regional Medical Center. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 20th, from 11 until one at Loyl Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. Marilyn Miller Johnson Stevens, 86 of Baileyville, Illinois, passed away Sunday, June 9th at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, Illinois. Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 20th at Fly Church of the Nazarene. The family will visit with friends from 1 p.m. until the service time at the church. hometown memorials is sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home, serving with dignity and consideration for over 150 years. As years go by, people may tend to forget just what a funeral is really all about. At Oakes and Nichols, we believe it's first that always a special remembrance of someone you love. We start by listening to your needs and desires. If you're unsure, we can help gently, professionally. At Oakes and Nichols Funeral Directors, we haven't lost sight of why we're here to serve Murray County families in the ways they prefer. And why Matt and Susie Sowell believe the way to honor tradition is with especially personal service. - We believe your traditions, your customs, your rites of passage are very important. So we also believe in taking care of your personal wishes as well. - At Oakes and Nichols, we try to do more than just the expected things. So the service you receive honors your heritage and is uniquely yours. And we invite you to experience the difference. - Oakes and Nichols Funeral Directors, 320 West 7th Street in Columbia, since 1856, people you can rely on. - For your Southern Middle Tennessee weather, we will have cloudy skies today with a few showers developing during the afternoon hours. The high will be 84 degrees with winds out of the North at five to 10 miles per hour. The chance of rain, 30%. Tonight, we can expect considerable cloudiness with a straight shower or a thunderstorm possible. The low will be 64 degrees with winds out of the North Northeast at five to 10 miles per hour. Let's take a break. When we come back, we'll cover state and national news that affect you. You're listening to Southern Middle Tennessee, today. - This is Debbie Matthews with the National Reluity Group. And if you've been paying attention, you know the housing market has been tough, but rates are beginning the thaw. So if you're thinking about selling, the time to jump in is getting better every day. But if you're thinking about buying and those interest rates are still a little bit too high, a good agent knows how to negotiate interest rate by downs. And I'm a good agent. So call me, Debbie Matthews with National Relty Group, 615-476-3224. - Family first. My dad used to tell us that all the time. But Family first wasn't just something he'd say to us. It was how he lived every day of his life. And it's how I try to live mine, too. At shelter insurance, our agents are dedicated to helping provide personalized auto, home, and life protection that puts your family first. - For auto home, life, or business insurance, sea shelter agent Tommy Hyde Jr. at 388-2009. - Are you thinking about a new fence? Maybe you need a pole barn. Then you should give Sands Fence Company a call that's 931-309-1644. Will Sands has built his business based on the principles of honesty, quality, and integrity. Sands Fence Company has been in business for over 20 years providing the community with farm, residential, and commercial fencing, as well as pole barns and buildings. Call today for a free estimate. Sands Fence Company, 931-309-1644. 931-309-1644. - For 40 years, the jewelers bench has worked hard for their customers and provided the highest quality jewelry at the best price. They keep going back. Recent renovations have allowed them to expand their inventory, more high quality jewelry, custom vintage and estate pieces, and professional jewelry and watch repairs. They also buy gold. The jewelers bench, still here, still great service. 808-Tropwood Avenue, Columbia. - This is Triacock with Dixie Equipment, Sales and Rental. We sell ASV and Wacker Nordstrom Equipment. We also rent a wide variety of compact equipment in the middle Tennessee area. Come see us. We are located in Columbia, Tennessee at 200 East 16th Street. You can call us at 615-969-01-18, or visit our website at www.dixiedeso.com. We have been in business for over 42 years, and we would love to help you turn your project into reality. - Some people are just obsessed with their lawns. They'd cut their grass with a pair of scissors if they could. Bikes are gravely, they don't have to. You see, gravely makes not only the best built and most comfortable lawnmowers, they also leave your house looking like a doggone country club. So whether you're a commercial landscaper wanting the best, or just a perfectionist homeowner, you can't do better than a gravely. - See our full line of gravely products at Murray County Equipment. 1075 North James Campbell Boulevard in Columbia, Tennessee, or check us out on Facebook. - This is Bob Kessel with Pat Ryan. It's a beautiful day for digging. The vacuole operator has the engine running and is moving into position. He's heading for the ground. He's in there. Wait, there's a flag on the play. Let's go down to the field for the call from our official. - A legal procedure on the digging team. - Oh, that penalty could cause a costly accident. - That's right, Bob. He needs to call before he digs. There's underground utility lines that could be hiding just below the surface. Water, sewer, electrical, communication lines, and even natural gas. - Avoid a penalty by first calling 8-1-1 to have any underground public utility lines located at marked with flags or paint. It's free, it's easy, and it's the law. - For more tips, visit pipesafety.org. This message brought to you by the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters and the Tennessee Gas Association, funded in part by a grant from the Underground Utility Damage Enforcement Board. (upbeat music) - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee. Today on WKOM 101.7 and WKRM 103.7, your hometown source for news and information. I'm Tom Price, and I'm news from around the state. Gas prices across the state reversed course last week and fell five cents on average. The Tennessee gas price average is now $3.11, which is seven cents more expensive than one month ago and two cents more than one year ago. Despite expected upward pressure on gas prices, we actually saw our gas prices move less expensive over last week here in Tennessee, said Megan Cooper, a spokeswoman for AAA, the Auto Club Group. If market conditions persist, it's likely that we could see our gas prices hold steady again this week. As of today, Tennessee is the third least expensive state gas price average in the country, she said. Let's take one last break. When we come back, we'll cover the final story of the day. You're listening to Southern Middle Tennessee today. Turner and Osborne Tire Company 1016 South Main Street in Columbia. Good mccaul at 931-388-6822. They've been doing business since 1947 and in their current location since 1964. They provide the best tire and mechanical work at some of the best prices in middle Tennessee. Hey, their official Michelin and Goodyear dealers, and they've got all kinds of brands as well. Stop by and see Walker Vining and his professional staff or check them out online at Turner and osmere.com, that's Turner and osmerene.com. Living with a war and joint can be painful and frustrating. Leave your joint pain in the past with a joint replacement procedure at Murray Regional Health. Our joint replacement program has been recognized in the top 10% of the nation for medical excellence and patient safety, thanks to our highly skilled and experienced surgical staff who perform progressive procedures for the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, and ankles. For more information, go to Murrayregional.com/jointreplacement. Murray Regional Health, where clinical excellence meets compassionate care. - Have you ever wondered if your insurance needs can be personalized? This is Hunter Carey. Our team specializes in planning your insurance needs to get you the best possible solution. State Farm is the largest home and auto insurer in the country. I love bringing that to my hometown. Born and raised in Columbia, I'm grateful for our close community ties. We offer help with home, auto, and life insurance for everyone in our community. Our office is located at 909 South Garden Tree across from the fire station. We're also in line at HunterCarry.com. That's HunterC-A-R-Y.com. - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and now our final story. The Murray County Arts Guild will be presenting four performances this week of finding Nemo Jr. based on the hit Disney movie "To the Community." Performances are scheduled for Thursday through Sunday, July 18th through the 21st. The Thursday and Friday shows will be at 7 p.m. and the weekend shows at 2 p.m. The play is directed by Tristan Maza and tickets that may be purchased at www.ticketpeak.co. I'm sorry.com forward slash m-c-a-g forward slash events. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOMWK-R-M radio. I'll be back tomorrow to update you with the latest news. I'm Tom Bryce. Thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great day. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music)