Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-7-24
(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 Wednesday, August 7th, and we start with local news. The Hohenwald Police Department and Lewis County Sheriff's Office are requesting the public's help in locating a vehicle involved in a pursuit on August 1st in Lewis County, where the car swerved into an oncoming lane occupied by a police vehicle, causing the police vehicle to make an evasive turn to avoid being hit. The car was blue, but has since been painted black. The vehicle has a license plate of Alabama KSA002. The car is a Mercedes C43 four-door sedan that has a small American flag on the driver's side of the back window. The driver of the vehicle is a white male. The car has been seen on camera in the Spring Hill Columbia area in the last several days. Please immediately contact your local law enforcement agency if you see this vehicle. If you see this vehicle in Spring Hill, please contact Dispatch at 931-486-2632. The FBI on Friday took possession of U.S. Representative Andy Ogle's cell phone as part of an investigation he believed concerned his campaign finance filings. The freshman congressman said on a social media post Tuesday afternoon. "It has been widely reported for months that my campaign made mistakes in our initial financial filings," Ogle said in the post made to X. "We have worked diligently with attorneys and reporting experts to correct the errors and ensure compliance going forward. It is my understanding that they are investigating the same well-known facts surrounding these filings," he stated. Ogle's phone was taken one day after he survived a primary election challenge last week. The congressman faces ongoing scrutiny over his federal campaign finance filings and personal finance disclosures. Representative Ogle's is seeking re-election in Tennessee's fifth congressional district this year with former President Donald Trump's endorsement. Ogle's defeated a well-funded primary challenge from Republican Courtney Johnston on Thursday evening who challenged Ogle's integrity and first-term record. The U.S. Department of Justice typically does not take overt investigative action against political candidates that could influence how people vote within 60 days of an election. Elizabeth Clement Webb, a spokesperson for the FBI's Memphis Field Office, declined to confirm or deny the search, pursuant to U.S. Department of Justice policy. Mark Wildesen, spokesperson for the U.S. District Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, also declined to confirm or deny the existence of a search warrant. Ogle's congressional office did not respond to a request for comment. His chief of staff directed media to Ogle's social media post. Channel five reported earlier Tuesday that the FBI executed a search warrant on Ogle's but did not specify where the search occurred nor what was searched. For more than two years, Ogle's has faced scrutiny and multiple complaints over his federal campaign finance disclosures. Shortly before the primary in 2022, a federal election commission complaint was filed against him alleging a pattern of malfeasance, quote unquote, in Ogle's financial dealings. Ogle's as attorney responded to a request for comment with a threat of legal action. He's also had to deal with chronic problems stemming from his campaign finance disclosures. He was required to pay $5,750 in civil penalties for campaign finance violations after the 2022 cycle. He recently admitted that a self loan of $320,000 that he had reported as cash to the FEC for two years was in fact a pledge for funding for which the need never arose. We set aside money. It was in a joint account, which you can't do. We know that now. So technically we have to go back and say the campaign didn't have full control, Ogle said, but that being said, when my wife and I decided that I was going to run from Congress, we set aside every penny we've had to put into the race. He said, Ogle's personal finance disclosures do not reflect a savings or checking account under Ogle's control with the amount he said he made available to his campaign. But his disclosure does include a mortgage loan initiated in January of 2022 in the corresponding amount range. Murray County property records do not reflect any property purchase in January of 2022 by Ogle's, but he did buy a house adjacent to his family home in September just after winning the primary. He later sold that home to his congressional district director at a $60,000 loss. That money was real. It existed and it was ready to be used. Fortunately, we didn't have to use it. Ogle said during a recent radio interview, that was money that we had saved over time being frugal. It was a big commitment. We went all in. We really felt that this was a God thing, he said. Ogle's has said publicly that he hired an outside campaign finance compliant consultant to go back with a fine tooth comb and fixed mistakes reported to the FEC. In his social media post on Tuesday, Ogle said he would cooperate with the FBI and the FEC. I am confident all involved will conclude that the reporting discrepancies were based on honest mistakes and nothing more, he wrote. Ogle's is also currently facing an ethics complaint filed by the Campaign Legal Center in January, requesting an investigation into discrepancies in the congressman's financial disclosures, including the personal loan of $320,000. Campaign Legal Center ethics director, Kendrick Payne on Tuesday said the watchdog group expected a possible FBI investigation, since Ogle's had significant discrepancies in his financial reports, but the swift action was surprising to him. Payne, a former deputy chief counsel for the Office of Congressional Ethics, said such investigations usually take much longer. With a move this quickly, the evidence must be strong, especially to move in an election year, he said. It looks like what we complained about is the tip of the iceberg of what may be going on. It looks very serious, he said. Ogle's has also admitted that he was mistaken about what degree he received from Middle Tennessee State University, after scrutiny that he embellished his credentials and work experience during the 2022 primary. Former Columbia Fire Chief Ty Cobb is entitled to contest his termination before the city's civil service board, according to a court ruling issued last week. Judge David Allen issued his ruling on August 2nd, stating, "The municipal code specifically and unambiguously states that the fire chief is entitled to a civil service hearing upon termination. The code states that a department of public safety shall be created." The respondent clearly failed or refused to follow this requirement and uses its failure to do so as a basis for arguing that the respondent should be denied a civil service hearing because the respondent was acting as or a department head in the absence of the respondent creating this position or department. The ruling went on to state. Allen's ruling also stated that Cobb, who joined the department in 2000 before becoming chief in 2017, had never received any notice that his civil service status had changed. Columbia's municipal code requires the appointment of a director of public safety, who was to act as a supervisor for the fire chief and police chief. However, according to the ruling, city manager Tony Massey testified that they'd never had been such an appointment. Allen's ruling stated that in effect, Massey himself served in that capacity. Cobb was terminated as chief of Columbia Fire and Rescue on March 12. In the letter of termination, Massey stated allegations that included a message falsely accusing the chief of police of being involved in an attempted break-in at an apartment of a person who sent a text message offering to pay for several news stories, which would benefit your interest. Cobb officially requested a civil service hearing by email on March 15th. He served a 30-day suspension in late October of 2023 and most of November. At the time, a memorandum from Massey to Cobb cited insubordination and added that Cobb would be on probation for a period of one year after the suspension. The suspension was announced shortly after Cobb requested the city of Columbia launch an internal investigation into the city's response to the May 3rd, 2023 central high school shooting hoax. In that request, Cobb cited concern for the safety of his employees. Whether the city will appeal the ruling was not immediately known. We are surprised and disappointed with this decision. The city is evaluating its options, Massey said, in an email. With Shawnee New Floor's as state of the art theater and competitive athletic facilities, the much awaited Battle Creek High School in Spring Hill opened its new doors on Monday to students and teachers on the first day of school in Murray County Public Schools. Students flooded the pristine campus with excitement in the air as freshmen and sophomores explored the new building and found their classes. But before students were dismissed to their first class, Principal Mike Kennard, a 1977 Columbia Central High School graduate, addressed the student body in the cafeteria with a simple message. They matter and he loves them. This place is an amazing facility, but the best thing is that you guys are here, Kennard said. "I can't tell you how blessed we've been in coming here to work with you. I can tell you we have your best interest at heart. Let's cooperate, let's work together. In case someone hasn't told you this morning, Mr. Kennard loves you," he said. With a capacity of 2,200 students, Battle Creek High, a project that costs the county upwards of 90 to 112 million plus across 300,000 square feet, will accommodate a growing student body and fast developing North Columbia in Spring Hill. Thousands of new town homes and single-family homes are being built around the school where Columbia and Spring Hill meet in Murray County, marking the need for a new school. The high school sits on 50 acres, sharing a campus with Battle Creek Middle and Elementary Schools, which opened at the 200-acre site in 2019. Students Deondra Walsh and Savannah Winters walked with their friends to the cafeteria meeting spot, taking in the new massive two-story building with long and wide hallways, dozens of classrooms and amenities like a theater, basketball courts, football stadium and auxiliary gym. "I'm looking forward to getting to know my teachers. "Just hope I don't get lost," Winters said. The school will be populated with freshmen and sophomores this school year, as the school gradually increases in students each year until the first senior class graduates in 2027. Kennard says he is ready to start a new chapter at Battle Creek High after serving as the first principal to open Battle Creek Middle School as well. Student Jonathan Barnes said he believes Battle Creek High School will deliver a positive high school experience. "I think safety and trust in principles is important," Barnes said, "and I believe this school has those things." The city of Columbia is excited to announce the unveiling of three sculptures in the heart of the Columbia Arts District. This special event will showcase the talents of local artists Whitney Harrington, Rommel Reichord and his son's Nicholas and Corey Reichord. The unveiling will take place on Friday, August 9th at 4 p.m. at Firefighters Park, situated at the Gateway to the Arts District at 1,000 South Garden Street in Columbia. The event will begin with a brief ceremony and an introduction to the artists, followed by the unveiling of all three sculptures. The community is invited to join the city in celebrating these additions to the landscape of Columbia's Arts District. The city of Columbia and Blood Assurance is hosting a blood drive on August 16th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Riverwalk Park. You can schedule your appointment at www.bloodassurance.org/riverwalk or come down between the hours of 10 and three to donate. Riverwalk Park is located in one of the Riverside Drive in Columbia. Did you know that one donation can save up to three lives and that Blood Assurance keeps the donations local? This means your donation will directly impact your community. Plus you get a free tote bag as a very special thank you. The African American Heritage Society of Murray County presents Building a Bright Future, Black Communities in Rosenwald Schools in Tennessee, a new traveling exhibition on display and now through September 13th at the Murray County Public Library. Created by the Tennessee State Museum in partnership with the John Hope and a really E. Franklin Library, Fisk University, the exhibition traces the history of education for Black Tennesseans from the reconstruction period through to the development of the Rosenwald program and into 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 exhibit will include photos of teachers, students and the 15 Murray County Rosenwald Schools. Also, the African American Heritage Society of Murray County 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, president of the African American Heritage Society of Murray County. What are commonly referred to as Rosenwald Schools were the results 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 schools in Tennessee. Rosenwald Schools drove improvement rather 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. This traveling exhibit is an expansion of building a bright future, black communities in Rosenwald Schools in Tennessee, which was 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 about that exhibit, visit www.tnmusi.org. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Charles David Charlie Workman, 78, resident of Colioka, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sunday, August 4th at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, August 9th at 10 a.m. at Southgate Church of Christ. Barry will follow in Pokemon Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Thursday, August 8th from 4 to 9 p.m. And Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. at Southgate Church of Christ. Online condolences may be extended at www.oxynichols.com. Jeffrey Glenn Johnson, 50, died Saturday, August 3rd. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, August 9th at 4 p.m. and Mount Pleasant Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The family will visit with friends on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the church. hometown 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 Suzy 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 a mix of sun and clouds today. The high will be 88 degrees, with winds out of the Northwest, at five to 10 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect partly cloudy skies with a low of 71 degrees. Winds will shift out of the North, at five to 10 miles per hour. 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 Coolumbia, 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 for 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 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 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.dixiedacel.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 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. (bright 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. Vanderbilt was named as one of the next generation of Ivy League schools. In recent years, the Ivy Leagues have faced numerous critiques over admissions policies, grade inflation and response to campus protests. Amid this backlash, the Ivy's have faced. Forbes created a new group of Ivy Leagues of 20 prestigious public and private universities. The schools on Forbes list are ones that produce graduates that are highly sought after by employers. These 20 universities are what Forbes is introducing as the new Ivy's, the 10 public universities and 10 ascending private ones, turning out the smart, driven graduates craved by employers of all types. Currently, eight universities are included in the elite Ivy League category. These universities are Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton and Yale. Other universities have the prestige of the Ivy Leagues but are not included in the elite eight schools like the University of Chicago, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Duke University are all schools that fit this criteria. Forbes analyzed 1,742 colleges and universities that have at least 4,000 students, admissions data and standardized test scores for the SAT and ACT. For private universities, admissions had to be below 20% and public universities had to be below 50%. Among the public universities that make the next Gen Ivy list include Binghamton University in New York, Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Florida, the University of Illinois Urbana-Shert campaign, University of Maryland, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina, University of Texas, University of Virginia and University of Wisconsin. Among the private schools are Boston College, Carnegie Mellon University, Emory University, Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Rice, Notre Dame, UCLA and Vanderbilt. Tennessee gas prices moved more expensive over last week but began declining again over the weekend. We're starting the week rather, only a penny more expensive than last week. The Tennessee gas price average is now $3.07, which is 10 cents less expensive than one month ago and 40 cents less than one year ago. We saw some volatility in our state gas prices over last week, but it's still mostly good news for Tennessee gas prices, said Megan Cooper, a spokeswoman for AAA, the Auto Club Group. We can still likely expect fluctuating gas prices this week, but the silver lining is that we're now seeing gas prices 40 cents cheaper than where we were this time last year. Tennessee is currently the sixth 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 are checking out a line at Turner and Osborne.com that's Turner and Osborne.com. Don't let pain keep you out of the game. Murray Regional Physical Therapies experience team of therapists can help you recover from surgery, injury or illness by designing a plan that meets your unique needs. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and proven techniques to help you get back to doing the things you love. Schedule a consultation at any of our convenient Southern Middle Tennessee locations by calling 931-380-4014. Murray Regional Health, where clinical excellence meets compassionate care. - This is Howlanders, 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 landersinsuranceagency.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and now our final story. Calling all canines and their companions, August makes the beginning of a special phase of Cheek Woods popular concert series, Thursday Night Out. Every Thursday and August, dogs are invited to join their human family members to enjoy the gardens, food and treats. Dog nights of summer feature dedicated drink stations for those with paws and local dog focused vendors offering treats, apparel and more. Humans can enjoy seasonal beers, expertly crafted cocktails and delicious bites created by Cafe 29 and local food trucks while listening to great music. Dog nights of summer are August 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th from 5.30 PM until 9 PM. Guests are encouraged to come prepared for hot weather. Water will be provided for dogs, but visitors are asked to BYOB, bring your own bowl to ensure their dogs stay hydrated. All dogs must be on a leash except for service animals. Dogs are not allowed inside any buildings including the historic mansion and museum. For a full list of musical acts scheduled throughout August and ticket information visit www.cheekwood.org. 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 at any time or read the transcript online by visiting frontportradiotm.com. It's always there for you. I'll be back tomorrow to update you with the latest news. I'm Tom Bryce, thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great day. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music)