Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-6-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM radio. Your hometown news broadcasting from the W Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Tuesday, August 6th, and we start with local news. The Hoenwald 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 and 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. 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 to refuse 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 the department acting as the department head in the absence of the respondent creating this position or department. The ruling goes 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, which is to act as a supervisor for the fire chief and police chief. However, according to the ruling, city manager Tony Massey testified that there had never 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 12th. 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 the apartment of the person who sent the text and a message offering to pay for favorable 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 that 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 by this decision. The city is evaluating its options. Massey stated in an email to Main Street, Murray. The city of Columbia is excited to announce the unveiling of three new sculptures in the heart of the Columbia Arts District. This special event will showcase the talents of local artists Whitney Harrington, Rommel Reicourt, and his son's Nicholas and Corey Reicart. The unveiling will take place on Friday, August 9th at 4 p.m. at Fighter Fighters Park. Fire Fighters 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 of 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. Murray Regional Medical Center earned recognition in 2024 as one of America's 50 best hospitals for outpatient joint replacement and was an outpatient joint replacement Excellence Award recipient from Health Grades, the leading resource consumers use to find a hospital or doctor. Murray Regional Medical Center was also recognized by Health Grades as the number one orthopedic surgery program in Tennessee for 2024. These achievements reflect Murray Regional Medical Center's dedication to clinical excellence and distinguishes the Medical Center as one of the nation's leading hospitals for outpatient joint replacement and orthopedic surgery. Murray Regional Medical Center has a growing orthopedic service line whose surgeons are committed to utilizing best practice treatment methods, resulting in optimal outcomes for our patients, said Murray Regional Health CEO, Dr. Martin Chaney. This recognition is the culmination of the leadership and exemplary care demonstrated by the orthopedic surgeons of Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance, Columbia, as well as our surgical and physical therapy teams, he said. To identify the top performing hospitals for outpatient joint replacement, Health Grades analyzed patient outcomes at short-term acute care facilities nationwide that offer knee and hip replacement in an outpatient environment. Health Grades analysis found that patients treated at hospitals that have been recognized for excellence in outpatient joint replacement, like Murray Regional Medical Center, have a demonstrably better chance of a smooth recovery than those treated at hospitals that were not recognized by Health Grades. In fact, between 2020 and 2022, patients treated at hospitals receiving the awards for America's 50 best hospitals for outpatient joint replacement and outpatient joint replacement excellence had, on average, a five or 10% respectively lower risk of experiencing a complication, well in the hospital, than if they were treated at hospitals that did not receive the award. In addition to these awards, Murray Regional Medical Center also received recognition from Health Grades for 2024 as one of America's 100 best orthopedic surgery programs, total knee replacement five-star recipient award, joint replacement excellence award, orthopedic surgery excellence award, and outpatient joint replacement excellence award. The medical center was also recently recognized as the only hospital in Tennessee to receive Health Grades Patient Safety Excellence Award and Outstanding Patient Experience Award for 2024. These accolades, including awards, such as Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award and Outpatient Joint Replacement Excellence Award, highlight our dedication to providing superior patient outcomes and innovative orthopedic care, said Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Case and Shirley. By consistently delivering high standards of clinical excellence, we have established ourselves as pioneers in the field of orthopedic health care, he said. Surgeons on Murray Regional Health's medical staff, performing joint replacements are affiliated with Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance Columbia. The practice consists of 12 physicians with specialties that include knee, hip, foot, ankle, hand, shoulder, spine, and elbow surgeries, as well as interventional pain management and sports medicine. In May of 2024, Murray Regional Health held a groundbreaking ceremony to launch the construction of the new Orthopedic Surgical Institute on the campus of Murray Regional Medical Center. The project consists of a 34,040 square foot expansion to the northeast side of the existing pavilion from the ground level to the fourth floor. The ground level will contain a new sterilization and surgical supply unit, while the first floor will contain four operating suites with two additional shelled areas that can be equipped as surgical suites and two procedure rooms. Among the technology available in the Orthopedic Surgical Institute will be the MECO robotic assisted platform used for knee and hip replacement. The enhanced shoulder system from Dupree-Sintheus for shoulder arthroplasty procedures, the Infinity Total Ankle System from Striker for non-fusion total ankle replacements, and the 7D Surgical Flash Navigation System for spinal procedures. The remaining floors will provide shelled space for future expansion. The expansion is expected to be complete in less than two years. Murray Regional Medical Center exemplifies what it means to be a leader in outpatient orthopedics by delivering consistently superior outcomes across key outpatient procedures, said Dr. Brad Bowman, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Data Science at Health Grades. Patients undergoing outpatient joint replacement Murray Regional Medical Center should feel confident in their decision to seek care from a facility with top marks in their procedure, he said. As outpatient surgical volumes continue to grow, health grades is proud to offer the industry's only outcomes based outpatient ratings to help patients identify the best care for their needs. Consumers can visit healthgrades.com to learn more about health grades measures, how health grades measures hospital quality. For more information about Murray Regional Health's orthopedic services or to find an orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff, visit www.murryregional.com/orthopedics. Applications for the 2024-2025 Columbia Mayor's Youth Council 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 Chaz Mulder 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 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 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 in the city of Columbia's website at www.ColumbiaTN.gov, or at your high school's administrative office. Follow the Columbia Mayor's Youth Council on Facebook and Instagram. And for questions, please contact Hannah Miller at hmillor@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 more 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. 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 or debit card or check. No cash will be collected at this location. Any Murray County resident can use this office. All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 public square. Also, you can renew online at tncountyclirk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mount Pleasant Courthouse. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Janice Anita Polk Goodgine, 74, retired employee of South Central Bell in a resident of Columbia, passed away on Thursday, August 1st at Murray Regional Medical Center. Funeral Service will be conducted on Wednesday, August 7th at 2 p.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Barry will follow in Sparkman Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Wednesday from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Charles David Charlie Workman, 78, a resident of Calioka, 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 Polk 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.oaksandnichols.com. Hometown memorials is sponsored by Oaks 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 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 will have sunny weather today with a high of 94 degrees. Winds will be out of the North Northwest at five to 10 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect clear skies in a low of 70 degrees. 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-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. 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 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. 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. (upbeat music) - For 40 years, the Jewelers Bench has worked hard for their customers and provided the highest quality jewelry at the best price. They keep going back. Recent renovations have allowed them to expand their inventory, more high quality jewelry, custom vintage and estate pieces, and professional jewelry and watch repairs. They also buy gold. The Jewelers Bench, still here, still great service. 808, Trotwood Avenue, Columbia. (upbeat music) - This is Triacock with Dixie Equipment, Sales and Rental. We sell ASV and Wacker Nordstrom equipment. We also rent a wide variety of compact equipment in the middle Tennessee area. Come see us, we are located in Columbia, Tennessee at 200 East 16th Street. You can call us at 615-969-0118, or visit our website at www.dixiediesel.com. We have been in business for over 42 years and we would love to help you turn your project into reality. - Some people are just obsessed with their loans. They'd cut their grass with a pair of scissors if they could. Bikes are gravely, they don't have to. You see, gravely makes not only the best built and most comfortable lawn mowers, 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. - ZR 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) - 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 I'm news from around the state. Belmont University's inaugural class of medical students received their white coats on Friday, officially launching Nashville's third medical school in the sixth in Tennessee. Belmont is a university with a lot of positive momentum and the Thomas F. Fris Jr. College of Medicine is the latest step in our incredible trajectory. University President Greg Jones said in a statement, "Our vision is to blend tradition with innovation, understanding that the best innovation happens when it's deeply embedded in tradition." The medical school has been years in the making. Back in 2020, Belmont announced its plans to seek accreditation for a medical school in partnership with Nashville-based HCA Healthcare, which is one of the largest healthcare companies in the country and has a long history of supporting Belmont. The school is named after HCA co-founder Thomas Frist. Also a founder of HCA, Jack Massey was a major donor to the university and the College of Business bears his name. 50 aspiring physicians make up Belmont's medical class with a median MCAT score of 509 and a median GPA of 3.64. Among the class members is Columbian Samuel Watley, the son of Jason and Lauren Watley. Now, Nashville is home of one of the newest medical schools in the country and two of the oldest. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine was incorporated in 1874 and the predecessor to Meharry Medical College became the first black medical school in the south in 1876. Jones said the Thomas F. Frist Jr. College of Medicine aims to set itself apart with a deep commitment to patient care and cutting edge skills. Among the inaugural class, 54% of students are female and 46% are male ranging from 21 to 38 years old. There are four first generation college students, two veterans and four students who receive rural community scholarships and plan to practice in rural areas upon graduation. Dr. Anderson Spicard will lead the school as dean of the Thomas F. Frist Jr. College of Medicine. "We're committed to providing you with the skills, knowledge and experiences and resources to become extraordinary physicians," Spicard said in a statement. "This is a historic moment and you are a part of it, shaping the legacy of this institution for generations to come," he said. Some Tennessee corporations are backing off of commitments to social change policies following costly boycotts that of many questioning the way forward. Corporate America adopted diversity, equity and inclusion or DEI and environmental, social and governance or ESG programs to help improve society's ills following widespread U.S. racial turmoil in 2020 and concerns about pollution and preserving natural resources. Four years later, in the wake of public outcries in Tennessee and elsewhere against companies like Tractor Supply Company and BlackRock taking on issues like climate change and racial equity, there has been a notable drop in social change initiatives and corporate business models. You see those organizations attempting to do something, at least in their mind, what they thought was the right thing to do. And now we see them certainly deprioritizing or in some cases even walking away from some of those initiatives because of social pressures. Said Jim Link, the Society of Human Resource Management's Chief Human Resources Officer. From June 2022 to June 2023, ESG-related jobs grew by 3.1% in Tennessee and 10.9% nationwide, according to analysis by Live Data Technologies Director of Growth, Jason Saltzman. Live data technology scours search engines for real-time information on job changes that rise in popularity reversed course this year. In the past 12 months, the number of Tennessee workers with jobs tied explicitly to ESG priorities has decreased by 2.3%, compared to a 0.8% decrease nationwide, Saltzman said. The trending decline of social and environmental priorities in the workplaces reflected in the amount of available DEI roles. There was an uptick in job postings for DEI professionals in 2020 and 2021, but according to research from Link, SHRM's Human Resources Chief, there has been a decline since then in those roles in an overall prioritization of DEI jobs and policies. About half of employees reported that DEI is not a priority or is a low priority at their companies, up from 39% one year ago, a 2013 SHRM survey found. What's driving companies to rethink these programs? For one, a dispute about whether the initiatives help or hurt the value of a business. Many shareholders who invest in specific companies because they believe the corporation is well-run and maximizes profits, oppose investments in unrelated social programs. They believe it distracts from the company's commitment to its core products and services. Some conservative activists and shareholders say DEI policies force social values and invite politics into the workplace without delivering significant returns. Supporters say these programs actually enhance corporate value and benefit the bottom line by deepening employee and customer loyalties, improving marketing efforts, and increasing long-range planning. 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 'em 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 'em out online at Turner and Osborne.com. That's Turner and Osborne.com. Looking for a physician? Choosing a healthcare provider for your family is one of the most important decisions you will make. Murray Regional Medical Group delivers primary care for individuals of all ages from newborns to adults and has an array of specialists ranging from endocrinologists to urologists. With locations in Murray, Louis, Marshall, and Wayne Counties, our experience team can provide you with quality care close to home. For more information, visit Murrayregionalmedicalgroup.com. Murray Regional Medical Group, your health is our primary care. 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 Landers Insurance Agency.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and our final story. The Grand Ole Opry House announces tickets are on sale now for the 2024 People's Choice Country Awards on September 26th, hosted by multiple award-winning global icon, Shania Twain. Last year's inaugural show, hosted by Opry members, Little Big Town, recognized the biggest and best country music has to offer chosen entirely by the fans across various categories. Throughout the night, Toby Keith and Winona Judd were honored with icon awards and star-studded performances, included Blake Shelton, Carly Pierce, Dan and Shay, Hardy, Jelly Roll, Kane Brown, Kelsey Ballerini, Little Big Town, Toby Keith and Winona Judd. Tickets for this year's event are available now. You can get them by visiting www.operate.com or by calling 615-871, Opry. 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 tomorrow to update you with the latest news. I'm Tom Price, thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great day. (upbeat music) (upbeat music)