Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-25-24
(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 25th, and we start with local news. Columbia City Council recently approved the acquisition of a new fire engine. This advanced apparatus is equipped with a 750 gallon water tank, a 20 gallon foam tank, a 1500 gallons per minute pump and has a 20 year life expectancy. By selecting a fully loaded pre-configured unit, the city was able to save $150,000 on this $750,000 purchase. This strategic investment ensures that the fire department has the necessary tools to continue providing excellent service and safety to the community. Scams around the rise in Spring Hill, police have taken a couple reports in the last month dealing with home rental scams. Both of these scams originated on Facebook Marketplace. Both rental homes are currently owned by American Homes to Rent. Both victims use the mobile payment app Zell to transfer money to the scammers. Both victims were asked to pay a $100 application fee, a $1,000 deposit and the first month's rent. In one case, the scammer gave the victim the key code to access the keys to the house. The scammer will email a fake lease and then the scammer will also ask for your personal identifying information, such as your date of birth and social security number. The quote, "Landlord will never meet you in person. They will have a built-in excuse of why they cannot." If you send the scammer money, they will come up with other reasons why you need to send them more money until you realize it's a scam. If you fall victim to a rental scam, please report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov and your local law enforcement agency. US Representative Andy Ogles is leading an effort with other conservative Republicans in criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris in the wake of President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race. Ogles announced on Tuesday a second impeachment resolution against Harris. In a Tuesday announcement, first reported by Fox News, Ogles is also urging Harris to invoke the 25th Amendment amid concerns over Biden's health. The 25th Amendment allows for the permanent or temporary removal of the president if they are unable to fulfill the duties of the office. President Biden announced on Sunday he was dropping out of the US presidential race, saying he would no longer seek re-election amid pressure to step down over increasing Democratic concerns regarding his election chances against former President Donald Trump. Ogles represents Tennessee's 5th congressional district and he faces Metro Nashville Council member Courtney Johnston in the August 1st Republican primary. The Spring Hill Planning Commission is currently reviewing two requests for annexation off Clark Road, which ties into the city's recent urban growth boundary expansion. The requests were submitted by the Richmond Group for South Nashville Commerce, both parcels technically on the same Clark Road property, just south of the city limits and east of Saturn Parkway and went before the Board of Mayor and Alderman on Monday. One request for 18.9 acres on its north side and 24.9 acres on the south side for what will be the Spring Hill Commerce Center. In 2023, the Board of Mayor and Alderman were initially considering these requests, which were ultimately decided through public referendum. However, things have changed since then, Development Director Dara Sanders said. Since that time, our urban growth boundary for the Williamson County portion of the city, east of I-65, has been amended to include these properties, Sanders said. The impact there is that annexation of these two properties can be annexed per city action instead of per a voter referendum, she said. There's also a perfunctory certification required to officially approve the city's new urban growth boundary, Sanders said. That is expected to happen prior to the Board of Mayor and Alderman, who would vote, act or consider the Planning Commission's recommendation for the annexation of these two properties, she said. City Attorney Patrick Carter added that the certification will be heard prior to the Board of Mayor and Alderman's vote and is pretty much guaranteed to pass. This is approval by the Local Government Planning Advisory Commission, Carter said. That's expected in September on the UGB part of it, so it's coming, though I don't have an exact date yet, he said. No votes were taken Monday on the annexation request, but both items will go back before the Planning Commission in August. The commission's recommendation, positive or negative, will then go before the Board of Mayor and Alderman for the final approval. Though, if approved, annexation is just step one. Though the property will be annexed into the city upon approval, it is zoned for agricultural use currently. The city's land use designation for the property is also described as gateway area, which contain the highest forms of development and future land use to include things like technology and research facilities, conference centers and office space. No details of these plans for the Spring Hill Commerce Center were presented Monday. There will rezone for anything other than agricultural use would be required. There is no rezoning action associated with the annexation, and so should the annexation be approved, these two properties would enter the city limits with an agricultural zoning designation, Sanders said. Any future rezoning would require an application to be submitted for consideration with the Development Services Department. The application would then be reviewed by the Planning Commission and the Board of Mayor and Alderman. Philip Grims was named as the new city manager for Mount Pleasant last month, stepping into the seat of the retiring Kate Collier. Grims has been a part of the Mount Pleasant community for the past 24 years in fire service, serving as for the last seven years as the city's fire chief. His education includes a master's in public administration, as well as several certifications in building codes. Grims said he is focused currently on continuing the mission of the city's elected officials. When asked about how his former role with the fire department and how it correlates to his current city manager position, Grims stated, "I think when you look at the fire department "and then even work closely with police, "more of that kind of service, servant leadership, "what can you do for the community? "The fire service background is what can we do to help you? "On their worst days or even their best days, "we're always out educating about fire and life safety. "So I think that kind of mindset, "customer service-based is what we were. "What we were in the fire department, "even when I was in Columbia, service customer service-based, "I think that's the biggest thing "that I can bring to this role," he said. "This attitude of service to his community is essential "to Grims and shows within his core values." Grims said he approaches his role as a city manager diplomatically and pushes to uphold the standards of the city of Mount Pleasant. "The city manager is not just serving the role, "but truly being a public servant to the community," he said. Grims said he understands this very well, saying, "I think the biggest thing in this role "is defining what are the standards. "Let's follow them and make sure we stay on point "with everything we're doing," he said. As for his goals within the community, he stated in a recent State of the City article, "The top goals for our recent strategic plan adoption "are to protect health and safety, "ensure delivery of basic services, "and to always maintain fiscal integrity of the city. "Therefore, I will help facilitate identified priorities "such as employee professional development, "expand and support community-oriented programs, "develop comprehensive parks, maintenance programs, "and develop a city-wide pavement management program." Grims also would like locals to get involved in the city by attending government meetings and events in the city. He brings the attitude of what can I do for you to a city he has lived in and served in throughout his life. The city of Spring Hill was notified late last week that the fiscal year 2025 budget was not approved by the State of Tennessee Comptroller's Office. This decision was reached due to the city of Spring Hill providing a budget ordinance with incomplete information regarding debt, along with missing information regarding pending and proposed capital projects and their funding sources. As a result, the city of Spring Hill will now be required to seek approval from the Comptroller prior to the issuance of any debt. This will be done on a case-by-case basis between the city and the state and the city of Spring Hill. While the missing information is held within the city's budgeting software, it was erroneously left off the budget ordinance submitted to the Comptroller. Officials said the budget ordinance has been corrected and will be reviewed by the Spring Hill Board of Marin Alderman at the regularly scheduled August meetings. Following this review, it will then be resubmitted to the state. City officials said they were taking the necessary steps to ensure oversights like this do not happen moving forward. The city of Spring Hill has worked tirelessly throughout this past year to improve upon the yearly budget process, implementing new programs and helping to increase transparency for city residents. And partnering with OpenGov, a technology company that offers cloud software for public sector accounting, planning and budgeting, residents are able to check in on how the city is budgeting its money through a transparency portal located at springtn.opengov.com. The Murray County Bridal and Saddle Club Mule Day and the Mule Day Works Scholarship Committee are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Mule Day Works Scholarships. These awards are presented to young people pursuing vocational, technical and career training who are residents of Murray County or active members of the Murray County Bridal and Saddle Club, who have graduated or earned a GED in the current or previous two academic years and are pursuing career technical education or CTE or vocational training. These four fine young people are the first class to be awarded Mule Day Works Scholarships. The Murray County Bridal and Saddle Club Mule Day and the Mule Day Works Scholarship Committee are thankful to the many generous sponsors, attendees and volunteers who made it possible for Mule Day to have a positive impact on families while giving back to the community. For information on becoming a sponsor of Mule Day or applying for a Mule Day Works Scholarship, please visit www.muleday.com/works or you can email muledayworks@gmail.com. The 2024 Mule Day Works recipients are Garrison Mills of Santa Fe High School and T. Cat Hoehenwald studying welding and mechanics. Emma Parks, formerly of Columbia Central High School, now Weatherford College studying diagnostic medical sonography. Autumn Conley of Colleoke Unit School and Columbia State Community College who is earning a business technology certificate and Maxwell, I'm sorry, Tyler Maxwell, Hampshire Unit School T. Cat Hoehenwald studying electromechanical technology. Citizens in Murray County are encouraged to utilize the early voting period for the August 1st state and federal primaries in county general elections as a safe and secure way to cast their ballots before election day. "We've been preparing for this election for the last several months," said Chris McKinley, the Murray County Administrator of Elections. "All Murray County registered voters are encouraged vote early at the election commission building on TradeWinds Drive," he said. The 14-day early voting period runs through July 27th. "All registered voters can find hours and polling locations, view sample ballots and much more by visiting GoVoteTn.gov or downloading the Secretary of State's free GoVoteTn app. "We want all registered Tennesseans to utilize our robust early voting period as a convenient way to cast a ballot and make their voices heard," said Secretary of State Trey Hargit. Tennesseans voting early or on election day should remember to bring valid photo identification to the polls, a driver's license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security by the Tennessee state government or by the federal government are acceptable, even if they are expired. College student IDs are not acceptable. "Early voting is quick and easy and registered Tennessee voters will likely experience shorter wait times during early voting," said state coordinator of elections Mark Goens. "I encourage all eligible Tennessee voters to take advantage of the convenience of early voting," he said. The Secretary of State's office is Tennessee's trusted source for all election information, including the GoVoteTn app. For more information about early voting and other election information, visit GoVoteTn.gov or contact the Murray County Election Commission. Murray County Public Schools is pleased to announce that City of Columbia and Mount Pleasant Schools will be participating in Community Eligibility Provision or CEP. The schools are as follows, J.R. Baker Elementary, Joseph Brown Elementary, Highland Park Elementary School, Randolph Howell Elementary, Stem School, Mount Pleasant Elementary, Riverside Elementary School, J.E. Woodard Elementary School, E.A. Cox Middle School, Mount Pleasant Middle School of the Visual and Performing Arts, Whitthorn Middle School, Columbia Central High School, Northfield Academy and Mount Pleasant High School. In a CEP school, all students receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost, regardless of family income. A meal must include a fruit or vegetable, then the choice of meat, grain, milk, and fruit or vegetable. Students can decline two of the five items at lunch, but must have a fruit or vegetable. Students can decline one item at breakfast, but need to have a fruit or vegetable on their tray. If you have questions about the CEP, please contact Brian Parkhurst at 931-388-8403 extension, 8135. Learn more by visiting www.merryk12.org/CEP. The Spring Hill Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint beginning on Friday, July 26th from 11 p.m. until 1 a.m. This checkpoint will be located on Main Street close to Crossings Boulevard. A Tennessee Supreme Court ruling requires this notification. Year today, Spring Hill Police Department has made 87 arrests for driving under the influence, so please remember to choose a sober ride. The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the launch of Columbia 101, an innovative program designed to engage residents with local government and community services. Participants in Columbia 101 will have the opportunity to interact closely with city officials and staff, indicating firsthand knowledge of how municipal services are delivered and learning about avenues for community involvement and advocacy. This consecutive two-day program will be open to all city of Columbia and Murray County residents and offered twice per year, with the official kickoff occurring on September 17th and September 18th. Participants can expect to begin each day at City Hall before learning more about all 12 city departments and touring select city facilities, such as fire and rescue and public works departments. Applications for Columbia 101 are available now and will close on Friday, August 9th at 4 p.m. Learn more and apply today by visiting www.columbiatn.com. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oak Synicals Funeral Home. Sandra Jane Clay Stofel, 84, passed away on Monday, July 22nd. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, July 26th at 11 a.m. at Oak Synicals Funeral Home. Barrio will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Thursday, July 25th from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. until time of the services at Oak Synicals Funeral Home. Thomas Melvin, Tommy Hite Sr., 87, well-known local insurance agent for shelter insurance company, died Tuesday, July 23rd at NHC Marie Regional Transitional Care. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, July 27th at 11 a.m. at Southgate Church of Christ. Barrio will follow in the Arbor's Epope Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Friday, July 26th from 2 to 8 p.m. at Southgate Church of Christ. Naomi Barry Parton Derryberry, 75, passed away on July 21st at her home in Spring Hill. Visitation for Mrs. Derryberry will take place on Friday, July 26th from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, July 27th from 10 to 11 a.m. at Spring Hill Memorial Park. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at Spring Hill Memorial Park at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Friends of the Spring Hill Public Library. Home Town Memorials is sponsored by Oak Synicals 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 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 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 7th Street in Columbia. Since 1856, people you can rely on. - For your southern middle Tennessee weather, we will have considerable cloudiness today with occasional rain showers in the afternoon. The high will reach 84 degrees with light and variable winds. The chance of rain today, 50%. Tonight, we can expect cloudy skies this evening with showers developing after midnight. The low will be 69 degrees with light and variable winds. The chance of overnight rain, 40%. 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. (buzzer) - Three, two, one. - Debbie Matthews Realtor and her husband, Jason, who is a pro songwriter, also own a music publishing company. They live in historic downtown Columbia with their dogs. The dog rescue work is their passion project. They consider Middle Tennessee their backyard and their lives are full of all things Tennessee. Debbie says, there is no greater honor than to help someone find a home. To be trusted with that job, there is no greater privilege. Call Debbie at the Nashville Realty Group, 615-476-3224, 615-476-3224. - Family first. (laughs) 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 put your family first. - For auto home, life, or business insurance, C 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, to 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 triadcock 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 loans. 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 backhoe 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) - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM 101.7 and WK RN 103.7, your hometown source for news and information. I'm Tom Price. And no news from around the state. Crypto enthusiasts will take over Music City Center on Thursday for Bitcoin 2024, a three-day conference with international stature dedicated to the foundational blockchain currency. The event promises a keynote address by former president and current presidential candidate, Donald Trump, who has sharply pivoted toward crypto in recent weeks. Landing the premier event also certifies locals' years-long effort to build Nashville into a top American Bitcoin hub. Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also has a speaking slot, as do Tennessee's U.S. Senators, Marcia Blackburn and Bill Hagerty. Failed GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, comedian Russell Brand, and several executives and influencers prominent in the Bitcoin community. Conference programming mostly takes place downtown from Thursday, July 25th to Saturday, July 27th. Prices for the single conference pass range from $700 to $21,000. The value of a single Bitcoin has Nashville has climbed to recent highs over the past six months and currently sits just below $70,000, bestowing fresh spending power to its investors. The GOP, led by Trump, began aggressively courting votes and donations from the crypto community over the past months. While the U.S. dollar remains the world's leading reserve currency, conferring tremendous influence and power onto the United States, it has lost ground in recent years. Apparently comfortable with the geopolitical consequences of Republicans have begun fully leveraging the party's reputation for small government and free marketeering to attract Bitcoiners. The community describes as lucrative siege on the financial order with values like personal sovereignty and freedom, all part of an ongoing power struggle in which Bitcoin grows more valuable at the expense of government-backed currencies. The addition of JD Vance, a freshman Ohio senator in Trump's VP pick, who has blue chip connections to Silicon Valley infused the Trump ticket with techno-futurist bona fides. Billionaire Elon Musk immediately pledged $45 million to the Trump-aligned pack. Endorsements and money from Silicon Valley elites poured in. Fellow billionaire Mark Cuban called it a direct play to drive up Bitcoin value. Many expect concrete crypto commitments from Trump at Saturday's keynote address, including policy planks like an official U.S. Bitcoin reserve. 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. Give me a call 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, 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 and Osborne.com. That's Turner and Osborne.com. Looking for a physician? Choosing a health care 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 online at HunterCarry.com. That's HunterC-A-R-Y.com. Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and our final story. Running from August 15th through August 24th, this year's Wilson County, Tennessee State Fair has the theme of so fun and harvest memories. The focus this year is on wheat and small grains, making it a great place to take kids to learn about where our food actually comes from, not just the grocery store shelves. The event is even billed as the largest outdoor classroom, providing a rich tradition in agriculture, education, and history. There is so much to see and do, said Helen McPeeke, Executive Director of Wilson County Promotions, who coordinates the event. You cannot do it all in one night. There will be more than 150 events taking place this year. The 124 page fair program can be found at www.wilsoncountytnstatefair.com. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on Kennedy Broadcasting WKOMWK-RM Radio. I'll be back tomorrow to update you with the latest news. I'm Tom Price. Thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great day. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music)