Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-22-24
(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 Monday, July 22nd, and we start with local news. The Murray County Commission voted last week to adopt a new three-year ambulance agreement with Murray Regional Medical Center. The agreement will provide $2 million per year, as well as a 5% increase each following year. This will allow Murray Regional to purchase at least two ambulances per year. The agreement also states that there would be seven 24-hour ambulances on duty at all times, along with two 12-hour ambulances. The request for more ambulances began in 2023, when Murray Regional Health issued a letter to the county, stating the need was based on the continued population growth. The previous agreement allocated $600,000 per year for the county for ambulance services, once brought before a vote, the agreement passed 16 to one. In addition to the Murray Regional's Ambulance Agreement, two other Murray County organizations received approval votes for additional grant money. The Murray County Health Department will also be receiving a grant from the Tennessee Department of Health of up to $1,488,000 through June 30th of 2025. The grant is to provide additional medical services to rural areas. Murray County Animal Services will receive $1,100 from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for a low-cost sterilization program for dogs and cats. Prior to the main meeting, Murray County Sheriff Bucky Roland spoke about the recent 20th annual Murray County Sheriff's rodeo, which he said was a huge success. It was a phenomenal weekend, and I greatly appreciate the bleachers that were donated by the county, but we need more, Roland joked. We could have filled that much more up and then some. By far, the two largest nights that there has ever been in that arena for any event, he said. In addition to a packed arena and vendor alley, the Sheriff's rodeo is also held every year as a charity benefit for the department's annual Shop with a COP program. We had Christmas in July, and you guys all will see the benefits come November and December and how it affects our youth, Roland said. Sheriff Roland concluded by sharing how the event has grown in its 20 years. When it started out, it was the SROs and the reserves, and now it's truly the entire Sheriff's department's rodeo, and it's everybody involved, Roland said. "It's the community's rodeo. "It really is what it is. "The proof is in the pudding, "and over the last 10 years, "it's just gotten bigger and better," he said. On Friday, the Kalioka Masonic Order and Lions Club held a community fish fry and political rally. Front porch radios, Delt Kennedy attended the event and spoke to Kalioka resident, K. Ivanhof, about the political scene. This is Delt Kennedy from Portraudio. This afternoon, Saturday afternoon, I am at the Kalioka Fire Department, where the masons of Kalioka and the Kalioka Lions Club have come together to put on a community fish fry. Of course, it's the political season, so the place is crawling with politicians, Democrat and Republican, all talking to folks and making their case. I've run into Steve and K. Ivanhof. They are not long residents of Kalioka. They moved here about a year ago. K, tell me how y'all came to live in Kalioka. - Well, I'm a lifelong Tennesseean, but my husband's originally from California, and I started a business in the Nashville area a number of years ago, and so we recently moved from, we were in Gallatin for a while, and then moved to White House, and recently moved down to Kalioka to be closer to our son and his family. They live in Columbia, so. - Well, welcome to Kalioka. Welcome to Murray County, Tennessee. All right, all the politicians are here tonight. Tell me, being somebody new to the area, what is your impression as to, are the Republicans or the Democrats gonna win the Kalioka box? - Well, I'm betting on the Republicans. I've been really impressed with Andy Ogles since we've been down here. Haven't met him yet, so I'm hoping to meeting tonight, but I just feel like we've gotta make a turn in the way the country's headed. It's headed downhill faster than it's ever been, and things need to change, and we need to get back to helping everybody have a better way of life in this country. - Okay, what do you assess will be the impact of the attempted assassination of President Trump? - Well, I think it's a horrible thing that happened. It should never be celebrated. I've seen some things on social media where people have celebrated the fact that that happened, and that's just absolutely wrong, so I think that has kind of mobilized and encouraged a lot of people to actually rethink if they were trying to vote in a different direction. That's no way to feel, no way to verbalize anything about anybody, no matter how much you like them or dislike them, but I think that it's going to solidify even more so, President Trump's base, as well as other people on the Republican ticket. - Oh, wow, thank you so much. Again, this is Del County Front Sports Radio. This afternoon, I am at the Colioca Fire Hall, where the masons and lions of Colioca are putting on a community picnic fish fry here. Of course, it's political season, and we've got Democrats and Republicans all talking to the people in the crowd, and people are having fish, and they're just having a good time and they've been talking with Steve and Kay Avenon. They are moved into Colioca not long ago, but it sounds like Kay. It sounds like y'all are really loving it. - We do. We absolutely love living down here. The people are so friendly. Of course, I never meet a stranger anyway, so I've been very glad that there are more of my kind down here, and it's just been great. This is the best move we've made. You know, our son and his wife asked us to move down here so they could take care of us in our old age, but we know it was mainly for babysitting, and we're okay with that, so. - Hey, grandparents are always okay with that. Leave me, I know, okay, folks, thank you. - Political action committees have shelled out more than half a million dollars in the heated Republican primary for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District between incumbent U.S. Representative Andy Ogles and challenger Metro Council member Courtney Johnston. While Ogles enjoys support from his longtime ally, Americans for Prosperity Action, a new and well-funded PAC is backing Johnston. Conservatives with Character Incorporated is an independent super PAC formed in May of 2024 by retired Tennessee GOP political director Randy Stamps. It's funded entirely with donations from inside Tennessee, including significant contribution from Raimin Hospitality's Colin Reed, former U.S. Senator Bill Frist, Nashville investor Joe Cook, Jones Brothers President Andrew Wall, Hardaway Construction Corporation, Charter Construction Corporation, and Government Affairs Consultant and former U.S. Representative Jim Cooper alum Sam Reed. The bulk of Conservatives with Characters Incorporated's funding comes from a $140,000 contribution from another PAC, Best of Tennessee Action Fund, a group formed in April to tackle the "bubble of ideological extremism" in Tennessee. Prominent Republican fundraiser, Kim Keighi, sits on Best of Tennessee's board. She's also Johnston's campaign treasurer. Best of Tennessee Action has received donations from former tractor supply president and chairman Joe Scarlet, now the vice chair of the Beacon Center of Tennessee, Nashville developer Tony Jartana, businessman John Ingram, James Granberry, Brentwood investor Steven Smith, and a $120,000 contribution from Best of Tennessee Incorporated. Johnston criticized Ogles' chronic inconsistencies and financial disclosures after the Tennessee and reported the freshmen of congressmen omitted several significant financial interests, including his own salary, a line of credit, and state retirement account from disclosures submitted to the state of Tennessee as Murray County mayor. Andy Ogles has been running for office for 22 years and thinks he has figured out that he, what he can say, that he can say one thing and do another, Johnston said, he is a hypocrite who disreperit, I'm sorry, disrespects the very rule of law he swore to uphold. The fifth congressional district deserves better. We deserve someone with integrity that will represent our values each and every day, she said. The Columbia Peace and Justice Initiative will be hosting an evening with civil rights activist and presidential medal of freedom recipient, attorney Fred Gray on Thursday, September 19th at 6 p.m. The event will be held at Murray Hills Church located at 101 Unity Drive in Columbia. It is an honor and a privilege to have such an iconic defender of civil rights share his experiences, noting how far we have come and the work that lies before us, said CPJI president Trent Oglevy. CPJI is dedicated to bringing awareness and unity to our community through a multitude of initiatives, and we are grateful to Mr. Gray for his support of our endeavors, he said. Fred D. Gray is the senior partner of the law firm of Gray, Langford, Sap, McGowan, Gray, Gray, and Nathanson PC with offices in both Montgomery and Tuskegee. He is a pioneer of the civil rights movement, a native of Montgomery Alabama and resides in Tuskegee with his wife Carol. Mr. Gray's life mission has been to destroy racial segregation wherever he finds it, and that is what he continues to do. He has practiced law since 1954, specializing in civil rights litigation, and continues to practice today at the age of 93. He has been a cooperating attorney with the National Association for the Advancement of Color People, or NAACP, and Legal Defense Fund Incorporated since 1956. He represented many civil rights icons and organizations, including the victims of the Tuskegee syphilis study, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Claudette Colvin, Congressman John Lewis, the Freedom Riders and Walkers, Selma Tumat-Gumrey-Marchers, NAACP Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, Congress of Racial Equality and Others. Attorney Gray is the recipient of many honorary degrees and awards. On July 7th of 2022, President Joe Biden awarded Mr. Gray the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest award a civilian can receive. In 2023, he received the American Bar Association's Medal, which is its highest award given, and was also awarded the Legal Defense Fund's Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served as president of the National Bar Association and Alabama Bar Association, and is the current president of the Tuskegee Human and Civil Rights Multicultural Center. During his 69-year legal career, Attorney Gray filed suits to end discrimination in public transportation, voting rights, rights of members and nonprofit organizations, right to public education without discrimination from kindergarten to graduate school, right of students to obtain an education and not be expelled without a hearing, equal access to farm subsidies, healthcare, the right to serve on civil juries, and many others. Proceeds from the CPJI Legacy Fundraiser, which will replace the traditional legacy luncheon in 2024, will support the completion of the Thurgood Marshall Roundabout coming in 2025 in partnership with the city of Columbia. The Roundabout will feature a sculpture of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, created by sculptor David Allen Clark. It will be located at the intersection of South Main Street and East 8th Street, a gateway to the historic Black Business District and the epicenter of the 1946 Columbia race riot, a pivotal movement in Columbia's history that sent shockwaves across the nation. The February 24th, 1946 confrontation culminated in the NAACP sending young attorney, Thurgood Marshall, to Columbia to defend 25 individuals who went to trial, held mainly in Lawrenceburg. Marshall fell ill before the trial commenced, but remained involved from New York and returned to Columbia in November of that year to represent the last two defendants. During this time, Marshall was confronted by a lynch mob in Columbia and narrowly escaped death and experienced, shared in nearly every account of Marshall's life. Ultimately, 23 of the 25 individuals charged were acquitted for lack of evidence and two were charged with lesser accounts, lesser accounts rather. Marshall's dedication to protecting the rights of all citizens earned him the nickname, Mr. Civil Rights. His distinguished career included successfully, having the Supreme Court declare segregation in public schools unconstitutional in Brown versus Board of Education in 1954. President Lyndon V. Johnson nominated Marshall as the first African American to serve on the US Supreme Court in 1967. By commemorating Thurgood Marshall, we not only highlight the national significance of these events, but also their deep local impact, enhancing the story's relevance and underscoring its importance in the broader context of American history, said CPJ, legacy event chair, Russ Adcox. Sponsorship opportunities are currently available. For more information, contact Russ Adcox at Russ, that's RUSSS@marihills.com or call 931-628-0736. Individual tickets to the event are $55 and may be purchased by visiting www.cpji.org. Don't expect Cavares tears to remember all 133 of the names called before his during last week's Major League Baseball Draft, but don't be surprised if the Columbia Academy graduate does either. I think where I went was just outside the range we were expecting. Tears said after the San Diego Padres selected him with a 134th overall pick. A compensation pick prior to the fifth round ordered to the team for losing reliever Josh Hader and free agency to the Houston Astros over the off season. Definitely, there was a lot of frustration, but also a lot of determination. I think in the long run, this will be, I hope, the best thing that could ever happen to me as far as motivation and determination, he said. Aside from where he went, as the sixth member of the National Champion University of Tennessee team to be chosen in the draft's first four rounds, tears was ecstatic, that he went. There's a little bit of a sigh of relief, he recalled of Monday's rush of emotions. A big step in my ultimate goal was accomplished. That's definitely a surreal feeling. Right after, though, I was also ready to get to work and start playing, he said. Once I stepped back and thought about it, not a lot of people have gotten the opportunity to hear their name called. I'm still blessed to be able to play the game I've wanted to play my entire life. I feel blessed, I'm ready to get back to work and kind of prove everybody wrong, he said. The dominance Tennessee exhibited in its run to the national title, winning the Southeastern Conference regular season and tournament crowns before going to the NCAA tournament as the national number one seed and prevailing through regional and super regional play, continued over the draft's three days with four players selected in Sunday's opening two rounds and another four in the following eight rounds. Since Tony Vitello took over the volunteer program in 2018, 41 ex-balls have been drafted. I don't think there's a lot of teams that have been fortunate enough to have this many guys go, tears said. I don't know if that's happened too many times, but it just goes to show the kind of guys coach V likes to bring in. Maybe if you're not top four round ready, when you first get on campus, I'm sure by the time you leave, you'll definitely be better than when you first came in, he said. Tears himself had to come to that conclusion after red shirting as a freshman following a stellar prep career and playing in less than half of Tennessee's games in 2023. I could have easily got in the transfer portal after last season, he said. But when I think of my career and ultimately what I want every day, when I'm going to work, whatever team I'm on and playing, every day, I just wanna get better. That whole time I was getting better last year. When I review everything I've done, I've gotten better. I haven't improved as much as I want to, but I am getting better, he said. His patience paid off in more ways than one after a red shirt sophomore season during which he batted 324 with 20 home runs, 62 runs batted in, 73 runs scored in 16 doubles, all among the top four for the national championship through their 60 and 13 campaign and played stellar outfield defense. Tears is a draft signing bonus slot value is more than $525,000. That's definitely the largest amount of money I've seen come my way since I've been alive, he said. I think the biggest thing now is finding ways to make that money molds apply and be smart with how I use it. I had a truck that I had picked out, but I don't think now is the right time to get it, he said. Meanwhile, tears, the first Columbia Academy athlete to be selected in the MLB draft since the Oakland Athletics picked pitcher Keith Norman in the 40th round in 1995 is getting a bit antsy with a process and ready to get back on the field. I'll fly out to Arizona here in a couple of days, he said. I'll be going to the physical exams. My agent will be reviewing the contract and hopefully by the time I get done with all the exams, they'll be ready to sign and get the deal done and get ready to work, he said. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oak Synacles Funeral Home. Matthew Jewel Harrington, 34, a resident of Linville, died unexpectedly on Thursday, July 18th, two days short of his 35th birthday. A celebration of life will be conducted on Monday, July 22nd at 1 p.m. at Oak Synacles Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends on Monday from 12 to 1 at the funeral home. Condolences may be extended online at www.oxyneccles.com. hometown memorials is sponsored by Oak Synacles 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 Oaks and Nichols, we believe it's first, at all ways, 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 Oaks 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 Sowo believe the way to honor tradition is with especially personal service. We believe your traditions, your customs, your rites of passage are very important. But we also believe in taking care of your personal wishes as well. At Oaks 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. Oaks and Nichols Funeral Directors, 320 West Seventh Street in Columbia. Since 1856, people you can rely on. For your Southern Middle Tennessee weather, we will have cloudy skies today with scattered thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. The high will be around 85 degrees with light and variable winds. The chance of rain today, 40%. Tonight, we can expect more clouds with a slight chance of a rain shower. The low will be around 68 degrees with light and variable winds. 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 bar. 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. (upbeat music) - 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, Trotwood Avenue, Columbia. (upbeat music) - 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 615-969-0118 or visit our website at www.dixiediesel.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 get out of 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) (upbeat music) (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 now news from around the state. President Joe Biden announced Sunday he would no longer seek re-election and drop out of the 2024 presidential race. The 81-year-old had been firm in his stance of staying in the race for the White House despite intense pressure for him to step down from in the wake of a disastrous performance in a debate with Republican candidate Donald Trump. "It has been the grandest honor of my life "to serve as your president," Biden said in a written statement. "And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, "I believe it is in the best interest of my party "and my country for me to stand down "and to focus solely on my duties as president "for the rest of my term," he wrote. The 3,896 Democrat delegates from across the United States who will assemble next month at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago will now have to vote for someone besides Biden to represent the party, even if he won their state's primaries earlier this year. Here's how they would select a new Democratic presidential nominee. A section in the RNC rules referred to as the Good Conscience Clause under Rule 13(j) allows for delegates to not vote for a candidate that won the primaries in their state. Here's how it reads. Delegates elected to the National Convention pledged to a presidential candidate shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them. Originally adopted in the 1980s, the Good Conscience Clause was added so delegates at the DNC can vote for anyone they choose if they in all good conscience represent their beliefs even if the person didn't win the primary in their state. Biden quickly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic presidential nominee, making her the leading candidate to take his place. The Democratic National Convention is a month away. It starts Monday, August 19th and runs until Thursday, August 22nd. To win the Democratic nomination for president, a candidate must have 1,968 pledged delegates out of a total of 4,672. Biden's win in the March Super Tuesday primary earned him all of Tennessee's estimated 70 delegates, 63 pledged delegates and seven super delegates. 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 McCall at 931-388-2822. 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, they're 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 in Osborne.com. That's Turner and Osborne.com. Looking for a physician? Choosing a healthcare provider for your family is one of the most important decisions you will make. Murray Regional Medical Group delivers primary care for individuals of all ages from newborns to adults and has an array of specialists ranging from endocrinologists to urologists. With locations in Murray, Lewis, Marshall, and Wayne Counties, our experienced team can provide you with quality care close to home. For more information, visit Murrayregionalmedicalgroup.com. Murray Regional Medical Group. Your health is our primary 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 Street across from the fire station. We're also in line at huntercarry.com. That's Hunter, C-A-R-Y.com. - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and now our final story. The Paris 2024 Olympics kickoff on July 26th and go through August 11th. This will be the third time Paris has hosted the Summer Olympics and here are some interesting facts and numbers, $8.2 billion. That's the estimated cost of hosting the 2024 Paris Olympics, 200%. That's the increase in Paris hotel prices for Olympics opening night, 40,000. That's the number of people who had joined the 26 mile marathon for all in Paris on August 10th, 45,000, that's the number of security personnel who will work in the Paris games. Second, that's the year in a row. The Olympics will use artificial intelligence managing security features in 100 years. That's the length of time since Paris's last hosted the Summer Olympics. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on Kennedy Broadcasting WKOMWKRM Radio. If you ever miss a part or all of this broadcast, you can listen to it anytime or read the transcript online by visiting frontportradiotn.com. I'll be back tomorrow to update you with the latest news. I'm Tom Fries, thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great day. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music)