Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-26-24
(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 Friday, July 26th. And we start with local news. Applications for the 2024-2025 Columbia Mayors Youth Council or CMYC term will open on August 1st. The CMYC is open to all high school students located within Murray County, including those attending public, private, and homeschools. The 2024-2025 term will begin in September of '24 and conclude in May of 2025. Columbia Mayor Chasmolder stated, "The Columbia Mayors Youth Council is an excellent opportunity for our young people to gain firsthand experience in local government and develop their leadership skills. By participating in CMYC, students will not only learn about the inner workings of our city, but also have the chance to make a real impact on their community. I strongly encourage all eligible students to apply and be a part of this incredible educational experience." The CMYC aims to educate students about local government, fostered leadership skills, and encourage community involvement among Columbia's diverse high school population. The CMYC is composed of Murray County high school students who value academic excellence, community involvement, and leadership. Selected students will have an opportunity to actively participate in various activities and programs, addressing issues affecting youth in the community, leading and volunteering in community projects, and learning about city departments. The CMYC selection committee will review all completed applications to select this year's youth council members. Applications will be open from August 1st through August 23rd, and applicants will be notified of their acceptance by September 3rd. CMYC meetings will be held monthly in addition to community and volunteer projects. CMYC applications can be found on the City of Columbia's website at columbiatn.gov, or at your high school's administrative office. Follow the Columbia Mayor's Youth Council on Facebook and Instagram @cmyctn for questions. You can also contact Hannah Miller at hmillor@columbiatn.gov, or call the number 9315601512. Scams are on the rise in Spring Hill. Police have taken a couple of 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 for 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 months 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. The scammer will also ask for your personal identification, such as your date of birth and social security number. The "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. 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 National 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 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 is also a perfunctory certification required to officially approve the city's new urban growth boundary," Sanders added. "This 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 City 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 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 contains 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, though a rezone for anything other than agricultural use, rather, would be required. "There is no rezoning action associated with this 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," she said. "That application would then be reviewed by the Planning Commission and the Board of Marin Alderman." The city of Spring Hill was notified last week that the fiscal year 2025 budget was not approved by the State of Tennessee's 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 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, which was submitted to the Comptroller. Officials said the budget ordinance has since 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 through 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 of Spring Hill are now able to check on how the city is budgeting its money through a transparency portal located at www.springtn.opengov.com. Come hungry to Tilted Mules' next Veteran's Barbecue Camp Kitchen Takeovers, starting at noon this coming Saturday. This mouth-watering event will be hosted by Tilted Mule, located at 102 Depot Street in Columbia, in collaboration with Hardy Hogg's Veteran Barbecue Camp. The camp invites veterans of all kinds for a free multi-day course on slow roast, while also using it as a tool for therapy. The dishes serve this weekend will feature slow roast barbecue from campers and will no doubt be a delicious way to give back to those who serve. As the July month is about to wrap up, there's still some time for Christmas in July. This weekend at Mule Town Pottery, located in the factory at Columbia at 101 North James M. Campbell Boulevard, Mule Town Pottery will host the events and sale during regular business hours, starting at 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Christmas in July will feature all Christmas items in the store's Christmas cubbies at 20% off, including top shelf items. In addition, Murray Alliance is also promoting its local first gift cards for Christmas in July. Anyone who purchases $50 or more will receive an additional $10 gift card. Gift cards may be purchased at Murray Alliance's main office, located at 106 West Sixth Street in Columbia, or online at www.murryalliance.com/local-first-cards. 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 CTE, that's career technical education or vocational training. These four 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 make 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, now T. Cat Hohenwald, who's studying welding and mechanics. Emma Parks, formerly of Columbia Central High School, now at Weatherford College, studying diagnostic medical sonography. Autumn Conley, formerly of Colioka Unis School, now at Columbia State Community College, who's earning a business technology certificate and sorry, and Tyler Maxwell, Hampshire Unit School, now T. Cat Hohenwald, studying electromechanical technology. Historic Elm Springs is calling all classic cars, hot rods, trucks, and motorcycles to its third annual Rebel Rouser Cruisin. The event kicks off at 9 a.m. on Saturday at Elm Springs National Confederate Museum, located at 2349 Park Plus Drive. All car owners will receive a free tour of the museum, though Elm Springs will also be open for tours throughout the event, which lasts until 2 p.m. There will also be drinks, food, and other items available for purchase. For more information, call 931-380-1844, or email visit elmsprings@gmail.com. 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 ballot before election day. "We have 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 to vote early at the election commission building on trade winds drive," he said. The 14-day early voting period runs through July 27th. All registered voters can find hours in polling locations, view sample ballots, and much more by visiting govotn.gov or downloading the Secretary of State's free govotn 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 govotn app. For more information about early voting and other election information, visit www.govotn.gov or contact the Murray County Election Commission. 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 to date, the Spring Hill Police Department has made 87 arrests for driving under the influence. Please remember to choose a sober ride. Columbia State Community College's Office of Workforce and Continuing Education Leadership Development Program is designed to benefit new and emerging leaders to help them develop the necessary skills and a toolkit of resources to help them excel as they move into and grow in their leadership roles. "I am extremely proud to be bringing this program to our communities," said Melody Murphy, Columbia State Workforce and Continuing Education Director. With now hiring posted on almost every storefront, it is becoming harder for employers to find and keep good employees. This program is an excellent opportunity for a company to identify dedicated employees' value and hard work and build them up through this program for leadership and supervision roles, she said. The Columbia State Leadership for Operational Excellence Program nurtures success and provides participants with the skills and resources for them to excel as leaders within their organizations. Topics covered will include leadership styles, generations and teams, employee engagement and productivity, communication and leading your team, business finance and budgets, presentation skills and networking as well as delivering outcomes and managing change. Many of us have seen firsthand how promoting internally for these positions based on performance can be problematic because doing a job and leading others to do a job are very different things that require somewhat different skill sets, Murphy said. This program aims to give participants the necessary leadership skills to be successful leaders. Registration is now open for the program, which consists of eight full day sessions with two full days conducted back to back. Participants should plan to attend all sessions, which will take place at Columbia State's Williamson campus. The program begins in August with the dates of August 8th and 9th, then September 12th and 13th, October 3rd and 4th and November 14th and 15th. The cost is $2,995 with lunch provided. To register, please visit www.campusce.net/ColumbiaState. For more information, you can also contact Melody Murphy at mmerphy19@ColumbiaState.edu. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Thomas Melvin, Tommy Hite Sr. 87, a well-known local insurance agent for shelter insurance company, died Tuesday, July 23rd at NHC, Murray Regional Transitional Care. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, July 27th at 11 a.m. at Southgate Church of Christ. Barrie will follow at the Arbor's Epoch Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Friday, July 26th from 2 until 8 p.m. at Southgate Church of Christ. Naomi Berry Parton Derryberry, 75, passed away on July 21st at her home in Spring Hill. Visitation for Ms. 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. Martha Bryant Snettiger, 90, former nurse for Life Care Center, died Tuesday, July 23rd at her residence in Columbia. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 27th at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home from 4 to 6 p.m. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com. Martha Rae Cawthren Sharpe, 86, a retired cook for the Rebel Grill in a resident of Mount Pleasant died Wednesday, July 24th at Mount Pleasant Health in rehab. A graveside service will be conducted on Sunday, July 28th at 3 p.m. at cross bridges cemetery. Patricia Lou Outlaw, 79, a resident of Nashville died Wednesday, July 10th at NHC Cool Springs following a brief illness. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, July 27th at 2 p.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Columbia. Barry will follow at St. John's Episcopal Churchyard in Columbia. Visitation will be on Friday, July 26th from 5 to 8 p.m. and Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home in Columbia and Saturday, July 27th from 1 to 2 p.m. in the parish hall at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Home town 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 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 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 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. 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 and rain showers for most of the day today. The high will be 83 degrees with light and variable winds. Tonight, we can expect more clouds with a slight chance of rain, the low will be 71. For your weekend forecast, we will see overcast skies on Saturday with a stray shower possible. The high will be 86. On Sunday, we will have thunderstorms with a high near 80. Weekend overnight lows will be in the low 70s. 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. (upbeat music) - This is Debbie Matthews with the National Realty 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 Realty 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 put your family first. We're 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 a 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, Trotwood Avenue, Columbia. - This is Trey Hancock 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.dixiedecil.com. We have been in business for over 42 years and we would love to help you turn your project into reality. - Hi, I'm Matt Parallis, manager of Murray County Equipment. We help you with all your agricultural and construction equipment needs. We carry a full line of new hauling tractors from compacts to high horsepower. We have a full line of gravely mowing equipment. We also have new hauling construction equipment, attachments and accessories for your tractors in a complete parts department. We are locally owned and operated. Come see us at 1075, North James Campbell Boulevard or learn about us on Facebook. Our contact is at 931-490-8183. - 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 and 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 now news from around the state. For the past 33 years, Franklin's annual Bluegrass Festival has taken place on the last weekend of July. Bluegrass along the Harpis aims to celebrate the rich legacy of the genre while fundraising for the Williamson County Cultural Arts Commission. Downtown Franklin's Town Square is expected to be filled with vendors, food trucks and some favorite bluegrass classics. In 1991, the Family Friendly Festival was also created to honor Franklin Natives and one of the earliest acts on the Grand Ole Opry, Brothers Sam and Kirk McGee. The duo created and performed Old Time, a subgenre of American folk music. Both McGee Brothers played a variety of instruments, including guitar, banjo, fiddle, and several multiple string instruments. This year's festival will feature cut or in cash in the Kentucky grass, along with Little Roy and Lizzy Show. Both acts will perform Friday evening with Saturday's entertainment being the popular Bluegrass contest. From Appalachian flat foot dance to banjo, these contests are available to a wide range of ages in all skill sets. This free event is scheduled to take place on July 26th and 27th from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. Additional information can be found at www.bluegrassalongtheharpis.com. Tennessee's tax free weekend returns July 26th to the 28th with savings on clothing and school supplies $100 or less and computers $1,500 or less. Qualifying items may be purchased in store or online with more information about qualifying items available online at tntactaxholiday.com. 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 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. Living with a worn 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 online at HunterCarry.com. That's HunterC-A-R-Y.com. - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and our final story. Packard Playhouse located at 614 North Main Street in Columbia will host a special performance this weekend as part of its Annie Moses Summer Music Festival. Broadway Mashup will take place starting at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Playhouse Studio. Described as taking all your favorite Broadway moments and mixing them together to blend in a blender with a dash of awesome sauce. Broadway Mashup will be a musical rollercoaster highlighting some of Broadway's greatest shows. Tickets are $20 and available at www.packardplayhouse.com or by calling 1-800-918-5270. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today. I'm Kennedy Broadcasting, W-K-O-M-W-K-R-M radio. I'll be back on Monday to update you with the latest news. I'm Tom Price. Thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great weekend. (upbeat music) (upbeat music)