Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-2-24
(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, August 2nd, and we start as always with local news. Detectives are asking for the public's help identifying persons of interest in a case of shoplifting from the Walmart and Spring Hill that occurred on July 11th. A female in a white shirt and dark colored pants allegedly took $1,800 worth of body care products without paying for them. She arrived and left with a person wearing a green hoodie and blue jeans. You can see a cam image of the suspects on murraycountysource.com. You can, if you can identify these people, please contact Detective Stephanie Gillum at S Gillum, that's S-G-I-L-L-A-M at Springhill-T-N.org. Officials with the Spring Hill Police Department are reminding the community to be aware of a home rental scam that they are seeing pop up once again. Spring Hill Police Department warns that if the price is too good to be true, it probably is. In a 2021 case, a victim found a home for rent through Facebook Marketplace and received a code from the online real estate website Open Door after contacting the person on the listing. The victim was able to open the door to the house with a code and had sent $1,200 to the suspect who sent him a lease agreement to sign. But as it turned out, the house was for sale, not for rent. The Federal Trade Commission advised that the best way to avoid this type of scam is to do your online research on the rental company and of the home itself. Compare prices, it could be a red flag. If the rent is way cheaper than other rentals in the area, take a tour and ask for identification from the rental agent you are speaking with and never pay with cash, wire transfers, or gift cards. Spring Hill Police say if you do fall victim to a rental scam, you should report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. The Spring Hill Police Department has previously warned people before about similar home rental scams that originate on Facebook Marketplace. Last night's federal and state primary and county general election took place, Murray County had a low voter turnout, as it does historically for primary elections. Despite the fact that some of the races were quite close. Here are the winners in last night's political races for the United States Senate. Marcia Blackburn defeated Trey Whidham in that primary gaining 89.5% of the votes. In the Democratic primary for the same Senate, see Gloria Johnson won handily in the field of four with 72.1% of the 2,909 votes in Murray County. In the hotly contested U.S. House District 5 race incumbent Andy Ogles defeated Courtney Johnston by about 2,900 votes locally and garnered 56.5% of the votes district wide. In the Tennessee House District 64 race incumbent Scott Sapicki beat Ray Jeter 3,950 votes to 3,294 votes. In the District 64 Democratic primary, Eileen Longstreet defeated Alex Pierce 832 to 578. In the Republican State Executive Committee race for District 28 incumbent Chris Morris beat Vincent Cuevas 5,320 to 2,540 votes. In the contested school board races, Frank Bellamy won the District 2 race, Darryl Martin won the District 4 race, David Moore won the District 5 race, and Brendan Babcock won the District 8 race. For full results, visit the Murray County Election Commission website. Dr. Kyle White recently joined the medical staff at Murray Regional Medical Center. He's affiliated with Murray Regional Medical Group Pulmonary and Critical Care. Dr. White received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine in Memphis. He completed his residency as well as a fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care at University of Florida, Gainesville. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease. Murray Regional Medical Group Pulmonary and Critical Care is a specialty practice dedicated to the care of adults with conditions related to the lungs and pulmonary system. The practice includes specialists who see patients by appointment in the Columbia office, as well as specialists who provide care to patients who are hospitalized in the Critical Care Unit at Murray Regional Medical Center. Patients may be referred to the practice by a primary care provider, or specialist for diagnosis and treatment of lung related conditions. In addition to Dr. White, practice physicians are doctors' forestall, yawned freels, Spencer Jensen, Kardick, Jothienden, I'm sorry, I can't pronounce that last name, Brett Norman, and Dr. Thomas Quinn. Murray Regional Medical Group Pulmonary and Critical Care is located in suite 503 of the Murray Regional Medical Center Medical Building at located at 1222 Trotwood Avenue in Columbia. For more information, call 931-490-7775 or visit www.muryregional.com/pluminary. In other Murray Regional News, Murray Regional Medical Center has received the American Heart Association's Get With the Guidelines Resuscitation Gold Quality Achievement Award for its commitment to treating in-hospital cardiac arrest, ultimately helping to improve survival rates. Each year, more than 300,000 adults and children experience an in-hospital cardiac arrest. Survival from cardiac arrest largely depends on timely medical emergency team response and effective CPR. The Get With the Guidelines Resuscitation Program was developed to help save the lives of patients who experience in-hospital cardiac arrest by consistently following the most up-to-date research-based guidelines for treatment as outlined by the American Heart Association. Guidelines include following protocols for patient safety, medical emergency team response, effective and timely resuscitation and post-resuscitation care. Get With the Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure the care provided to patients is aligned with the latest evidence and research-based guidelines. Murray Regional Medical Center is committed to improving patient outcomes by adhering to the latest evidence-based resuscitation guidelines, said Dr. Martin Cheney, CEO of Murray Regional Medical. "I'm appreciative of our physicians and clinical teams who are dedicated to providing outstanding up-to-date patient care. Although we are proud of this recognition from the AHA, the end goal is to ensure more people in Southern Middle Tennessee can experience longer, healthier lives," he said. Murray Regional Medical Center received the award for meeting specific measures and treating adult patients who experienced cardiac arrest in the hospital. "We are pleased to recognize Murray Regional Medical Center for its commitment in following these guidelines," said Tia Raymond, doctor and national chairperson of the American Heart Association's resuscitation systems of care advisory group and a pediatric cardiac intensivist at Medical City Children's Hospital in Dallas. Hospitals that participate in Get With the Guidelines often see improved patient outcomes and improve survival rates, a win for healthcare systems, families and communities," she said. As Southern Middle Tennessee's only heart center, Murray Regional Medical Center provides a vast array of cardiac services that include interventional procedures as well as pacemaker and defibrillator implants. Murray Regional Medical Center is recognized as a chest pain center with PCI by the American College of Cardiology and holds certification in the treatment of heart failure from the Joint Commission. Murray Regional Medical Center is also the only hospital in Tennessee to receive the Excellence in Patient Safety and Outstanding Patient Experience Awards from Health Grades in 2024. You can learn more by visiting www.marryregional.com/heart. After much discussion about whether or not committees should recommend their own member applicants or not, the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Alderman chose to defer appointments for the Town Center Redevelopment Committee. During the Board's regular meeting on July 15th, members questioned if everyone who wanted to be considered for the committee was submitted to the Board for that consideration. "Mr. Mayor, I think it's bad practice if we're allowing committees to select their own nominees," Alderman Nat Fitterer said. "The Board heard one applicant head withdrawn, leaving only one, but there seemed to be a few other applicants who had expressed interest. Human nature is to pick or recommend the people that you already know. And so when you do that, it's always the same people who end up being involved in the committee," City Attorney Patrick Carter said. "And as the legislation was written, I think we thought. I think the thought was that the Board of Mayor and Alderman would be doing their own vetting so they would get all the applications. And apparently that hasn't happened on this item and it needs to happen," he said. Motion was made to defer the appointment of members to the Town Center Redevelopment Committee to the Board's August 19th meeting. Last week, Marie Alliance teamed up with the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce to host the second annual Wired Pitch Contest. Local entrepreneurs had the chance to present their innovative ideas with a Wired mastermind group, awarding $10,000 to help accelerate their businesses. After impressive presentations and careful deliberation, the group selected Christine Cole of Camellia Chocolates and Donna Parker of Blondie's Baked Goods as the winners. Each of the businesses received a prize of $5,000. In 2021, Murray County Chamber and Economic Alliance and Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce launched Wired, a mastermind group, for local entrepreneurs and CEOs. Wired mastermind is designed to foster growth and development through the sharing of experiences, lessons learned, and game-changing moments. The 2023-2024 Wired mastermind group is comprised of five local entrepreneurs and CEOs that were selected through an application process. Each year, the group hosts an annual pitch contest for early businesses poised for growth in Murray County. Learn more about the initiative by visiting www.mariealliance.com/wired. The African-American Heritage Society of Murray County presents Building a Bright Future, Black Communities and Rosenwald Schools in Tennessee, a new traveling exhibition on display starting August 2nd, and running through September 13th at the Murray County Public Library. Created by the Tennessee State Museum in partnership with the John Hope in Aurelia E. Franklin Library at Fisk University, the exhibition traces the history of education for Black Tennesseans from the Reconstruction period through the development of the Rosenwald program and into the present day. The Rosenwald Schools served African-American students in rural Murray County for more than 40 years. In addition to the traveling exhibition from the Tennessee State Museum, the African-American Heritage Society of Murray County's companion exhibition will include photos of teachers, students, and the 15 Murray County Rosenwald Schools. Also, the African-American Heritage Society is hosting In Conversation, former Rosenwald School students. Former students will share their educational experiences on August 10th from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Murray County Public Library, said Joanne McClellan, African-American Heritage Society of Murray County President. What are commonly referred to as Rosenwald Schools were the result of an initial partnership between Sears Robuck and Company President Julius Rosenwald, Tuskegee Institute President Booker T. Washington, and Black communities throughout the South. Between 1912 and 1937, that partnership resulted in the construction of almost 5,000 schools for Black children across 15 Southern states, including 354 in Tennessee. Rosenwald Schools drove improvement in Black educational attainment, and helped educate the generation who became leaders of the civil rights movement. The traveling exhibition on display at the Murray County Public Library consists of five two-sided panels and includes the engaging stories of alumni and community members from 16 different Rosenwald Schools in Tennessee. Tennessee State Museum and Fisk wanted to build a more diverse and inclusive space for all Tennesseans to learn about the honor, and learn about and honor the history and legacy of Black education in the state, said Debbie Shaw, senior curator of archeology at the Tennessee State Museum. The resilience and perseverance of these Black communities as they strive for equal access to education is highlighted through their work with the Rosenwald School Program. The legacy continues today as members from these same groups worked toward the preservation of these schools and communities, she said. Our teams at the Fisk University John Hope in Aurelia E. Franklin Library and the forging future pathways forward, building a portal to Rosenwald collections for all at Fisk University Project were thrilled to partner and collaborate with Tennessee State Museum, said DeLisa M. Harris, director of library services at Fisk University. This exhibit is the first major showcase of the impact and legacy of the Julius Rosenwald Fund Rural School Program in Tennessee, she said. This traveling exhibit is an expansion of building a bright future, Black communities in Rosenwald schools in Tennessee, an initiative that included a 4,000 square foot temporary exhibit at the Tennessee State Museum and a two day symposium. The Project won a 2024 American Association for State and Local History Leadership and History Award of Excellence and the 2024 Tennessee Association of Museums President's Award. For more information, visit www.tnmuseum.org. Applications for the 2024-2025 Columbia Mayor's 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 2024 and conclude in May of 2025. Columbia Mayor Chasmolder stated, "The Columbia Mayor's 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," he said. The CMYC aims to educate students about local government, foster 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 and 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 now 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, and for questions, you can contact Hannah Miller at hmiller@ColumbiaTN.gov or call the number 931-560-1512. 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 unique opportunity to interact closely with city officials and staff, gaining 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 about all 12 city departments and touring select city facilities, such as the 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 Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Martha Matthews, 100 years old, retired Secretary of Joseph Brown Elementary School and a resident of Scott Hollow Road died at her home on Sunday, July 28th. Funeral services will be at noon on Saturday, August 3rd at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be two hours prior to the service. Burial will be at Polk Memorial Gardens in Columbia. Lieutenant Colonel William Jasper Carden III, US Army, retired, resident of Hendersonville, North Carolina, passed away on Saturday, July 27th at his residence. The graveside service will be conducted on Sunday, August 4th at 3 p.m. at Polk Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the United States Army Honor Guard. 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 the way you feel has always been so important to Susie and Tony Sowell. - When people come here, I hope they feel like they're working with a person who's just like family. And by the time they leave here, I hope they feel like they're a part of our family. - What I like most is when a family is leaving, they can say thanks. You made something we thought would be hard, easier than we thought it would be. Not that we made it easy, we made it easier. - 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 scattered thunderstorms today with a high of 91 degrees. Winds will be out of the West at five to 10 miles per hour. The chance of rain today, 50%. Tonight, we can expect to generally clear skies in a low of around 68 degrees. For your weekend forecast, we will see mostly clear skies on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's high will be 88 degrees, and on Sunday, 91. Overnight weekend lows will be in the high 60s and low 70s. Let's take a break. And when we come back, we'll cover state and national news that affect you. You're listening to Southern Middle Tennessee today. - Debbie Matthews-Rilter and her husband, Jason, who is a pro songwriter, also own a music publishing company. They live in historic downtown Columbia with their dogs. 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 to call Debbie at the Nashville Realty Group, 615-476-3224, 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. - 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, Troutwood 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 Parralis, manager of Murray County Equipment. We help you with all your agricultural and construction equipment needs. We carry a full line of new haul and tractors from compacts to high horsepower. We have a full line of gravely morn equipment. We also have new hauling construction equipment, attachments and accessories for your tractors and 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 plane. Let's go down to the field for the call from our official. - A legal procedure on the digging team. - Oh, that penalty could cause a costly accident. - That's right, Bob. He needs to call before he digs. There's underground utility lines that could be hiding just below the surface. Water, sewer, electrical, communication lines and even natural gas. - Avoid a penalty by first calling 8-1-1 to have any underground public utility lines located at marked with flags or paint. It's free, it's easy and it's the log. 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. - Here we go. (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. US Senator Marsha Blackburn shared the passage of bipartisan legislation that cleared the US Senate on Tuesday that seeks to establish the first significant protections for children on social media platforms. Alongside US Senator Richard Blumenthal, Blackburn reintroduced the kids online safety act last year. The legislation aims to require social media platforms to shield children from addictive algorithms and to inappropriate content, create tools for parents to report abuse and undergo annual audits. The Kids Online Safety Act is one of those pieces of legislation that you can say the time is right for that. Blackburn said during a news conference on Tuesday calling social media platforms kind of the Wild West when it comes to kids. We know that when our kids are online, they have become the product of the social media platforms and this is a way to put in place protections that are needed, she said. The US Senate passed the bill Tuesday in a vote of 91 to 3. Republican senators Mike Lee of Utah, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Democrat Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon opposed the bill. And now goes to the US House of Representatives. The Senate has done its job. The House should do the same and move COSA when they return. Get it done before the new school year. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said during the news conference with Blackburn. The overwhelming 91 to three vote in the Senate can really push the House. If we can form such a broad coalition that changes, I'm sorry, that ranges from all parts of each party, the House can do the same. The bipartisan momentum behind these bills after the vote today is real. We should seize the opportunity to make it a law, he said. Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut said Tuesday that President Joe Biden has strongly supported the legislation. In addition to the Kids Online Safety Act, the Senate passed the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act on Tuesday. Together, the bills marked the first significant legislation to protect kids and teens online in more than 25 years. 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. 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 lifesaving interventional procedures. Go to MurrayRegional.com/heart 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. This is Hal Landers, owner of Landers Insurance Agency. We are independent agency representing the famous Erie Insurance Group. Landers Insurance Agency has been committed to providing great rates and great service since 2002. Whether it's home and auto or business or life insurance, we've got you covered. 24/7 in-house claim service, we've got that too. Visit Landers Insurance at 514 North Garden Street, Columbia. Call us at 931-380-2003. Our website is Landers Insurance Agency.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and our final story. Today is First Friday in downtown Columbia. The streets in downtown are closed from 5 to 8 p.m. for First Fridays. This is a free, family-friendly event with a vendor market, food trucks, street performers, and a cruising. And don't miss First Friday's insiders where select merchants have created an experience inside of their stores. Look for the balloons to identify participating merchants. 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. It's always there for you. 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)