Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-24-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRN Radio. Your hometown news broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews National Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Wednesday, July 24th, and we start with local news. Much like this year's election season, President Joe Biden's announcement Sunday to step down from the November race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement continues to polarize voters. In Tennessee, local Democrats appear to support Biden's choice to no longer seek a second term and see Harris accepting the nomination for president as an opportunity to unite the Democratic Party. Following Biden's announcement on Sunday, Tennessee Democratic Party voted to support his endorsement of Harris. Mr. President, we will carry out the mission and finish the job of building back better. The Tennessee Democratic Party posted to social media following the Sunday announcement. Our president, Joe Biden, has delivered for the American people. Now it's our turn. We must unite and defeat Donald Trump, they wrote. In Murray County, local Democratic Party leaders also believe that, while initially surprising to hear it has breathed new life into the party. I am very enthusiastically supporting Kamala Harris. I believe she has made a great vice president and will make an even greater president. Murray County Democratic chair, James Dallas said. Dallas added that while Biden's decision to step down is understanding and respectable, he never doubted Biden's ability to run. The hard part, he said, is convincing others. I saw the same debate that everyone else did and I had serious concerns about his ability, not necessarily to do the job as president, but his ability to convince people that he was fit enough to continue leading the country, Dallas said. Unfortunately, a lot of politics is perception versus reality, he said. Murray County Democratic vice chair, Vicki Hale, remarked on Biden's choice to make the announcement. What courage that took to not be a selfish politician and put your country ahead of your own ego. And that's what he did, Hale said. Hale added that she believes in Harris' abilities. I see a confident woman who's been vice president, not a learning curve for the past four years. And this is what it's about, taking that next step. The appropriate step, Hale said. With Biden's endorsement of Harris as his replacement, this couldn't be a better time to rev things up, unite and gain more forward momentum, she said. The switch is flipped on and there is a real race now. This is a breath of fresh air for our party, though obviously what people are saying in public and behind closed doors are obviously two different things, she said. With the upcoming Democratic National Convention set to take place in Chicago for the first time since 1996, Murray County will maintain a supportive presence. Earlier this year, two Murray County women were selected to serve as delegates at the August 19th through 22nd Convention, J. Lipscomb of Columbia and Lisa Brooks of Williamsport. Both were selected in April at the 5th Congressional District Convention in Nashville. Murray County was an underdog because we only have about 10% of the Democrats in the 5th Congressional District. Dallas said in a press release at the time, but our people showed up enthusiastically to support J and Lisa despite the convention being scheduled on the same day as the Mule Day Parade as a result of their hard work and determination, as well as the political skill of our candidates, Murray County Democrats got 40% of our district's representation at the DNC, he said. Brooks shared her excitement for not only being selected as a DNC delegate, but this is also the first time she's attending one. Since I was a child, I remember always watching them with my parents. Brooks said, it's to know what our party stands for and our platform over the next four years and getting everybody behind our candidates. I just can't wait because there's going to be so much excitement. And when it came to Harris, she is proud of the change she represents. If somebody else runs against her, I guess we'll see what we'll do, but she is the right person at the right time. Brooks said, it's time we had a woman president. Hopefully this new excitement around Kamala will help her to win, she said. Murray County Commissioners by a 15 to two margin chose Hewlett Spencer as owner advocate for upcoming building projects during their July 15th meeting. The choice went against the recommendation of the building committee, which had advanced the application of Klein's Sweeney Associates. After that meeting, a number of commissioners had expressed a preference for Hewlett Spencer, which had overseen a number of projects for county government previously. Commissioner Ray Jeter was critical of Hewlett Spencer's application, saying the company was not transparent about its bidding process and the fees charged. This county is getting ready to spend tens, if not hundreds of millions of dollars in construction over the next 10 years, Commissioner Jeter said. This decision matters to the people of Murray County. It matters to the taxpayers, the people we were elected to represent. If I look at the evaluation sheet provided to us, it's real simple. Hewlett Spencer gave us no fee. That's not what a request for proposal is. Klein's Sweeney provided that information, he said. Commissioner Kathy Grodai countered by speaking in favor of Hewlett Spencer, saying they've saved us over $2 million in either pro bono work or saved money off bids, she said. A new three year contract with Murray County Medical Center to provide ambulance services was approved at a cost of $2 million per year with a 5% annual increase. Grants for the Murray County Health Department and the Murray County Animal Shelter were also approved without discussion. The proposed purchase of the bookstore adjoining the new judicial center was postponed until the August commission meeting at the request of Commissioner Grodai who noted that five county commissioners were absent at the July meeting. Commissioners also approved the appointment of Quentin Jones to the regional planning commission to fill the unexpired term of the late Randall Webster. Deborah Davis was appointed to the library board while Ronnie Hines, Brian Griggs, Derek Wright and Jennifer Graham were appointed to the board of equalization. Commissioners also voted to reclassify five deputies in the Murray County Sheriff's Department to the rank of corporal and created a temporary position of transport officer in that department as well as a temporary election administration worker to serve through the November election. A donation of two parcels of property on Enterprise Road and Dog Branch Road was accepted by commissioners for potential use as a future fire station. Commission also approved a resolution declaring the county's population growth as listed in the 2020 US census. The resolution is necessary to allow Murray County to eventually add an impact fee on new construction via a bill passed by the General Assembly earlier this year. The county tax rate of $1.91 and an amended 2024-2025 budget also received approval. (mouse clicking) Those connected to businesses in Spring Hill, along with county and state officials came together at the UAW Hall on Thursday, July 18th for a luncheon and annual state of the city address. The event was hosted by the city's Chamber of Commerce with executive director Rebecca Melton saying, "We just wanna have the city give an update "to area businesses on what's relevant to their endeavors." The information came from a panel made up of Alderman Matt Fitterer of Ward 2 and Vincent Fuqua and Trent Linville, who both represent Ward 4. The trio responded to questions developed by the Chamber's Committee of City Affairs. For the first inquiry, Fitterer revealed that the state Comptroller's office had found wrong budget information sent to them by the city. This, he said, has resulted in city officials having to go to the Comptroller for borrowing needs on a case-by-case basis. On behalf of his fellow board members and the city staff, Fitterer said, "We'll make the appropriate changes." Develop developments already underway and what they are bringing to Spring Hill were also reviewed. Fitterer said, "What is exciting now "is that we've got four or five projects, "which is a lot for one city." He then described each one of those endeavors reflecting on the valued impact of the city that's afforded over the coming years. For that future, Linville said, "This Spring Hill that is today will positively change "in the next five years and increase the quality of life "for those who live here." Concerning infrastructure, Linville said development projects are coming in adding that active partnerships are going to be needed to successfully move the ball forward for infrastructure needs. Linville said the city also relies on key representation in Nashville at its regional planning meetings like the Greater Nashville Regional Counselor, GNRC, that he said is vital for gaining needed priority and funding to cover such expensive and important project work. For water and sewer concerns, Fuqua said, "It's an issue not unique to just Spring Hill, "as many Tennessee communities are dealing with that also." Fuqua added, "We're currently in a pilot program "through TDEC to improve what we're trying to do." Director Melton mentioned the types of developing industries making their way to the area with Fuqua responding, "We're going to see a lot of opportunities. "Our economic development is really going to skyrocket." Fitterer then highlighted two projects that he said are not just an interest to the city but the county and the state as well. Linville referred to the high quality of real estate in the city including businesses. He said that will help relieve the tax burden from residences those facilities bring in tax revenues thereby enhancing the quality of life. Concerning that quality of life, coming recreational opportunities for residents were referred to as Fuqua pointed out a land purchase in an expansion on the east side of Interstate 65. He said there will be arrangements for citizens to express what they want to be placed there. Fitterer emphasized that 80% of the city's full spending goes to public safety, utilities, and roads. "I'm very happy with that percentage," he said. Fitterer also described needed projects being undertaken for the police and fire departments such as new stations. Reflecting on utilities and roads, he said that continued high percentage of focused funding is a very good thing. Linville's ties to the GNRC were then reflected upon. As he said, they're one of the groups that fosters the main prioritization of roads in this area. He said he's been a part of that group on behalf of the city since March of 2023 with his aim of getting Spring Hill what it needs for roads which is funding and prioritization. He even referred to TDOT's 10 year project list saying that local projects are among them and these are things that I've been pushing for, he said. To involve the public in such changes, Linville said it's important that they be heard by getting to the polls and voting in order to maintain aid from senators and representatives on the state and federal level. Linville said that while that will help everything move forward in an efficient fashion. Reflections were then made on how to better inform and engage more residents to vote. Fitterer invited the public to call and ask your city government about any concerns that they may have. Also, the city's budget is viewable at the city's www.springhilltn.org website which allows the public to track spending. Looking to the future and thinking of the next five years, Fuqua said sewer concerns, GNRC partnerships and state road improvements are to be focused on. Linville emphasized that concerning project efforts, we will not see the fruits of our labor until five or six years down the road. But Fitterer added success is solving issues today for a tomorrow with continued growth. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced Tuesday 36 Brownfield redevelopment area grants or BRAG grants totaling $718,757 for remediation projects across the state. BRAG grants are derived from the rural Brownfield Redevelopment Investment Act, which protects the environment and creates economic opportunities, especially in rural settings. The legislation empowers local governments and development boards with resources needed for investigation, cleanup and redevelopment of blighted opportunities. A Brownfield is a property vacant or underutilized due to contamination. Remediation minimizes threats to public health, safety and the environment. Brownfield sites vary in size, location, age and past use. BRAG grants are awarded in three categories, identification, investigation and remediation. The grants announced are for the identification category, which allows applicants to apply for up to $20,000 to conduct a Brownfield inventories. Grants in other categories will be announced later. Through the leadership of Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly, the law provides direct funding to accelerate Brownfield clean up and redevelopment, assisting local governments in transforming blighted properties into community assets. Brownfield redevelopment creates jobs, increases property values, increases tax revenue and expands the tax base. Brownfield properties can include sites such as old industrial facilities, former coal yards and junkyards, abandoned gas stations and closed landfills. These grants address significant issues with blighted properties across Tennessee, Governor Lee said. The process of cleaning up a contaminated property and turning it into an asset is an important step in environmental stewardship. We commend the communities who have gone through the application process. These Brownfield redevelopment grants will turn liabilities into assets, allowing our local communities to bring economic growth to previously underused and applied areas, said Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally. "I appreciate the work of Governor Lee, "commissioner-soliers and all members of the General Assembly "and making this possible," he said. Brownfield redevelopment grants are very helpful in aiding communities to turn existing commercial properties that have a perceived or a real environmental issue into usable clean redevelopment, said Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton. "Assisting local entities in these endeavors "benefits all Tennesseans," he said. "The Brownfield redevelopment area grants "are a key mechanism in enabling communities "to repurpose contaminated properties," said TDEC Commissioner David Solyers. "We are grateful to Governor Lee and the General Assembly "for their commitment to this important initiative, "and we look forward to the improvements "that will come from this process," he said. In his first year of the BRAG program, TDEC received overwhelming interest in the grants. Many high-quality and critical projects are being addressed with these funds. Of the grant money allocated, the South Central Tennessee Development District will receive $20,000. 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, Randolph Howell Elementary, Stem School, Mount Pleasant Elementary, Riverside Elementary, J.E. Woodard Elementary, 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 any questions about the CEP, please contact Brian Parkhurst at 931-388840 extension 8135. You can also 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. A year to date, the Spring Hill Police Department has made 87 arrests for driving under the influence, so please remember to choose a sober ride. The Murray County Clerk's Office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. At the Murray County Senior Center, located at 1020 Murray County Park Drive. Please drive around the back of the building and look for the car tag renewal sign near the back door. Forms of payment include credit, debit, or check. No cash will be accepted at this location. Any Murray County resident can use this office. All other transactions will need to be done through the main office located at 10 public square. Also, you can renew online at tncountyclerk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mount Pleasant Courthouse. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oak Synicals Funeral Home. Naomi Berry Parton Derryberry, age 75, passed away on July 21 at her home in Spring Hill. Visitation for Ms. Derryberry will take place on Friday, July 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Sunday, July 27 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. Hometown 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 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 your satisfaction is so important to Jeff Hargrove and Susie Sowell. There's a great deal of satisfaction in serving a family and serving them well. It's an eye for detail and thoughtfulness and taking the time to see that things are done right. We do have nice facilities and good people and we work hard to do things well, but we don't want that to intimidate people as to what they think it will cost. Taking care of you is our primary concern. 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'll have a steady rain early with continued showers this afternoon. The high will be 79 degrees with light and variable winds. There's an 80% chance of rain today. Tonight, we can expect cloudy skies with a slight chance of a rain shower. The low will be 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. Debbie Matthews grew up and lives in beautiful Coulomb, Tennessee. As a realtor, she is well-versed in homes, neighborhoods, development, and schools. She wants to share her love of her home state with others to help them find just the right place to raise a family, open a business, or develop a dream. From luxury listings to land, she can handle it all. She is the current leading producer, Nashville Realty Group Contact Debbie Matthews Realtor at 615-476-3224. That's 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 a call that's 931-309-1644. - Little 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. - 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. Dixie gravely makes not only the best built and most comfortable lawnmowers, they also leave your house looking like a dog on 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 vacuum 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) - 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. Tennessee tourism generated a record of $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending and saw 144 million visitors to the state in 2023. According to newly released data from tourism economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee's direct visitors spending increased 6.2% in 2023. This follows two consecutive years of double-digit growth, driving Tennessee to a 125% recovery over 2019 pre-pandemic levels. When tourism grows, Tennessee reaps the benefit with increased sales tax revenue. Governor Bill Lee said in a news release from the state tourism department, tourism boosts local economies, supports businesses and jobs, funds public services and creates a better quality of life for all Tennesseans. We welcome visitors from around the world to experience Tennessee's music, scenic outdoor beauty, culture and food from Mountain City to Memphis, he said. Highlights from economic impact of travel 2023 report includes Tennessee tourism generated $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending in 2023, a 25% increase over two years. Tennessee visitors spend $84 million each day in 2023. Visitors spending sustained 191,522 direct jobs, one of every 24 jobs in the state. Domestic visitor spending is 127% recovered to pre-pandemic levels. International visitor spending is 81.6% recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Tennessee visitors topped 144 million in 2023, up 3 million over 2022, led by relatively stronger growth in day visits. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development will release the full 2023 economic impact on travel report and direct visitor spending data for all 95 counties in August. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development works with the Tennessee Tourism Committee, local convention and visitors, superheroes, chambers of commerce, city and county leaders, tourism attractions and the hospitality industry in all 95 counties to encourage travel to the state. Tennessee gas prices held steady over last week and the state average remains at $3.11, the same as one week ago. The Tennessee gas price averages now $3.11, which is 11 cents more expensive than one month ago, but six cents less than one year ago. Tennessee is currently the fifth least expensive state in the nation for gas prices. 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@Ozburne.com. That's Turner and Ozburne.com. - Minutes matter when you call 911 for a heart attack and Murray Regional Health is ready to care for you. Utilizing the state-of-the-art cardiac cath lab at Murray Regional Medical Center, our team of expert cardiologists and experienced clinical professionals are equipped to investigate heart conditions quickly and perform life-saving interventional procedures. Go to Murrayregional.com/hard to learn more. And remember, always dial 911 when you or someone near you is experiencing heart attack symptoms. 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 in 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 Hunter, C-A-R-Y.com. - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and now our final story. Actor musician Jared Lido's band 30 Seconds to Mars will perform at Ascend Amphitheater on Saturday, August 3rd. The tour's seasons 2024 was announced at the end of last year in support of the band's latest album release. It's the end of the world, but it's a beautiful day. The band's sixth album, their last album, "America" was released in 2018. 30 Seconds to Mars was formed in 1998. The band consists of Jared Lido and his brother Shannon. Special guests for the tour will be AFI, Poppy, and Kenny Hoopla. Find tickets at www.concerts.livenation.com. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today. I'm Kennedy Broadcasting, WKOMWKRM Radio. If you've ever missed 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 Price, thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great day. [MUSIC PLAYING] (upbeat music)