Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-8-24
(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 Thursday, August 8th, and we start with local news. US Representative Andy Ogles has confirmed his cell phone was confiscated by the FBI last week after he won the Republican nomination for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District once again. News Channel 5 was the first report that the FBI issued a search warrant for Ogles who has received attention for changes in his campaign financial filings. G Klein pressed in the lawyer representing Representative Ogles. Initially told the media organization he would not confirm or deny the search warrant. Later, the lawyer told the Washington Post the warrant was issued by a court order and was limited in asking only for Ogles' cell phone. In a statement on the social media platform, Axe Ogles said, "It has been widely reported for months that my campaign made mistakes in our initial financial filings. We have worked diligently with attorneys and reporting experts to correct the errors and ensure compliance going forward." Last Friday, the FBI took possession of my cell phone. It is my understanding that they are investigating the same well-known facts surrounding these filings. The FBI declined to comment to News Channel 5 and instead referred the media outlet to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, which also gave no comment. Maryam Abel Fosley, Ogles' Democratic opponent in the forthcoming general election for the 5th Congressional District, issued the following statement on Tuesday. "The FBI's execution of a search warrant and confiscation of Andy Ogles' cell phone is deeply upsetting, especially given an ongoing pattern of misappropriated funds and falsehoods regarding his education and work history. Congressman Ogles continues to bring scandal and embarrassment to the 5th District, and he needs to go," she wrote. Ogles amended nearly a dozen past campaign finance reports in May to show a personal loan of $320,000 to his campaign in 2022 never happened. The amended filings instead reported Ogles loaned his campaign $20,000. He also made significant changes to his contributions and disbursements for the first quarter of 2024. His original report showed he raised nearly $86,000, but the amended filing reported no money was raised in the first quarter. Campaign finance watchdog group the Legal, I'm sorry, the Campaign Legal Center filed a complaint to the Office of Congressional Ethics and included information from Ogles' personal financial disclosures to back up its accusations that a personal loan of several thousand dollars was not possible. The complaint stated Ogles' financial reports contained discrepancies worth more than $1 million. Ogles has said he will fully cooperate with the FBI and has been doing the same with the Federal Election Commission. I am confident all involved will conclude that the reporting discrepancies were based on honest mistakes and nothing more, Ogles said. OP mobility will receive a $558,000 incentive grant from Tennessee toward a $3 million expansion of its Spring Hill plant, which is expected to lead to 186 new jobs in Murray County. The France-based company was renamed OP Mobility from Plastic Omnium in March. It will then have 568 employees in Tennessee and more than 200 in Spring Hill after expanding from its 18 current employees in Murray County. OP mobility will expand its product offerings and further support electric vehicle production lines with the expansion, it says. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced the project in late June without revealing the incentive amount. Economists question whether economic incentives such as Tennessee economic and community development fast-track grants are necessary to recruit new businesses or have businesses expanded in the state. Fast-track grants are state grants sent to companies to help offset the cost of expanding or moving into the state with the goal of increasing the number of full-time jobs and the average wages of jobs available in the area. Tennessee recently approved nearly $1 million in fast-track job training grants for Walmart Associates e-commerce fulfillment center in Lebanon and Hylomobile in Mount Juliet. Tennessee also pledged $218,750 to synergy magnetics for its plant $5.6 million startup in Jackson County that will employ 35 people in Gainesboro, the company manufactures transformers. Tennessee economic and community development now has a balance of more than $139 million in uncommitted funds for fast-track incentives. The state reported $13.2 million in newly de-obligated funds toward that balance from companies that will no longer be receiving the promised grant totals, often due to not fulfilling the promised investment or new job requirements. 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 a or the 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 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 an apartment of a person who had sent a text and a message offering to pay for favorable news stories which would benefit Cobb's 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 with this decision. The city is evaluating its options. Massey said in an email to Main Street, Murray. The visit Columbia Welcome Center is pleased to announce the opening of a new art exhibit featuring esteemed artist, musician and author Ron York. The exhibition will be on display now through the end of September. Admission is free and all of York's artwork is available for purchase. Ron York, a respected local artist with an acclaimed career, has put together a compelling collection of his works for this exhibit. York who began his artistic journey after transitioning from a career in interior design has had three pieces displayed in, I'm sorry, has had his pieces displayed in galleries both nationally and internationally. His work is part of prestigious collections at Belmont University, Tom Collins Music, First Baptist Church, Renasant Bank and the Nashville City Club. Notable figures such as Vince Gill, Kev Mo and Kelly Clarkson also own pieces of his art. Beyond his achievements in visual art, York is a celebrated musician with eight CDs of original compositions and an award-winning author with two non-fiction books and eight novels published under St. Broadway Press, LLC. Although he retired from operating his art gallery in 2023, York continues to actively engage in his creative endeavors. The public is encouraged to experience this exceptional exhibition at the visit of Columbia Welcome Center, located at 713 North Main Street in Columbia. For further details about Ron York and his body of work, you can follow him on Instagram at Ron York Artist and also on Facebook. Beginning this week, the breezeway providing access to downtown Columbia from the parking lot behind City Hall and beside Square Market will be closed until further notice for structural assessment. Downtown visitors parking in the slaughter encouraged to use Blue 32 Vintage Marketplace during business hours to access the Square while the assessment is being conducted. With shiny new floors, a state-of-the-art theater and competitive athletic facilities, the much awaited Battle Creek High School in Spring Hill opened its 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 explore the new building and found their classes. But before students were dismissed to their first class, Principal Mike Kennard, a 1977 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, he said. In case someone hasn't told you this morning, Mr. Kennard loves you, he concluded. With a capacity of 2,200 students, Battle Creek High, a project that costs the county upwards of 90 to $112 million across 300,000 square feet will accommodate a growing student body in fast developing North Columbia and 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 School, 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," he said. The Sleep Centers across the Murray Regional Health System have once again been accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine or AASM, a testament to an ongoing commitment to providing high quality sleep medicine services. This accreditation has been maintained at Murray Regional Sleep Center in Columbia since 2014, reaching a 10-year milestone. The addition of centers in Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Waynesboro, Tennessee followed, and each has maintained accreditation since 2018. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates Murray Regional Sleep Centers on meeting the rigorous standards required to maintain accreditation for sleep services, said AASM President Dr. Eric J. Olson. "AASM accreditation is the gold standard for sleep care, giving patients confidence and peace of mind when they seek help for a sleep disorder," he said. AASM's rigorous standards include a comprehensive evaluation of the facility staff, equipment, policies, procedures, and patient care quality. The goals of the Sleep Center must also be stated clearly and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community. This accreditation reflects Murray Regional Health's continuous efforts to offer the best diagnostic and treatment services for sleep disorders. We are honored to receive the AASM accreditation once again as it reflects our commitment to providing excellent care in sleep medicine, said Murray Regional Health CEO Dr. Martin Chaney. At Murray Regional Health, we understand the critical role that sleep plays in overall health and are proud to offer comprehensive services that improve the quality of sleep and life in our community, he said. Sleep studies are a form of diagnostic testing that assists in diagnosing a series of variety of sleep disorders that range from sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless leg syndrome. These disorders, if left untreated, can have a significant impact on overall health, including heart health. There are many types of tests available at Murray Regional Health's Sleep Center locations, which monitor heart rate, snoring, air flow, brainwaves and movements in the muscles and eyes. Additionally, at home testing is sometimes available, which allows a patient to remain in the comfort of their own home with easy to follow instructions. You can learn more or schedule a sleep study at www.muryregional.com/sleep. During the week of July 15th through the 19th, Tennessee 4-H held the annual 4-H Roundup at UT Martin. Roundup is one of the premier events in Tennessee 4-H. Over 375 high school-aged 4-H members have from across the state attended this event, and Murray County was represented by 4-H member Eliza Decline. At Roundup, the 4-H members had the opportunity to tour and learn more about the university. Selected individuals competed in their project areas, which awarded a total of $75,000 in scholarship money to the winners. Becoming a 4-H project state winner is the culmination of many years of hard work. The first step is selecting a project area, then working to become a state finalist. State finalists are selected through the scoring of their project portfolio. A project portfolio is comprised of a youth project narrative and records, event participation and leadership opportunities they have had through 4-H over the past three years. If selected as a finalist, youth compete against the top finalists from across the state during Tennessee 4-H Roundup during the interview portion for scholarships. Eliza was named a state finalist in the Senior High Level I horse project and did a fantastic job representing Murray County 4-H. By attending Roundup, I not only got to represent my county and my hard work, I got to build new relationships and make lifelong friends, she said. The Murray County 4-H members who attend Roundup each year are a part of the Murray County 4-H Sigma Lambda Chi project group. This is a group of youth in grades 6-12 that would like to continue participating in 4-H. Meetings for the 2024-2025 Sigma Lambda Chi will begin in October. Murray County 4-H will also begin numerous judging teams, project groups and the club program in the coming months. 4-H is the youth development program for University of Tennessee Extension. 4-H teaches leadership, citizenship and service learning to more than 179,000 youth in grades 4-12. For more information about the Murray County 4-H, please call 931-375-5301. 4-H is part of the University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee State University Extension and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. UT TSU Extension provides equal opportunities and programs and employment through the cooperation of county, state and federal governments. All are welcome. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Charles David Charlie Workman, 78, a resident of Columbia, passed away on 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. Barrio will follow in Pope 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.oakesandnichols.com. Jeffrey Glenn Johnson, 50, died Saturday, August 3rd. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, August 9th at 4 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The family will visit with friends on Friday from 2 until 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 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 live here, I hope they feel like they're a part of our family. What I like most is when a family is living, 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 clouds today with some sunshine peeking through as the day progresses. The high will be near 90 degrees with winds out of the North at 10 to 15 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect mainly clear skies and a low of 67. Winds will be out of the North Northwest 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 Coolum, but Tennessee has a realtor. She is well versed in homes, neighborhoods, development and schools. She wants to share her love of her home state with others to help them find just the right place to raise a family, open a business or develop a dream. From luxury listings to land, she can handle it all. She is the current leading producer, Nashville Realty Group contact Debbie Matthews Realtor at 615-476-3224. That's 615-476-3224. - Family first. 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, 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 estimates and 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 Triadcock with Dixie Equipment, Sales and Rental. We sell ASV and Wacker Nordstrom equipment. We also rent a wide variety of compact equipment in the middle Tennessee area. Come see us, we are located in Columbia, Tennessee at 200 East 16th Street. You can call us at 615-969-0118 or visit our website at www.dixiediesel.com. We have been in business for over 42 years and we would love to help you turn your project into reality. - 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 or contact us 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) (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. Nashville's two premiere summertime music events Let Freedom Sing, Music City July 4th and CMA Fest, both experienced record breaking numbers according to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation. Stadium concerts also continue to drive leisure visitation. Nashville's tourism economy built on our vibrant live music scene is truly a driving force of our city success. Said Deanna Ivey, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation. It creates jobs, generates tax revenue, boosts our local businesses and supports our musicians and creative culture. We're thrilled to see our major event strategy leading to record breaking visitor spending and hotel room nights sold, she said. The free Independence Day concert and fireworks show, which included drone lights for the first time, resulted in the most hotel room nights ever sold on July 4th in Davidson County, with 27,136 hotel rooms filled higher than the previous peak in 2019. Visitors spending generated by the event was a record breaking $17.5 million. As previously announced, the record breaking crowd of approximately 355,000 was a 42% increase compared to last year's event. About half of visitors surveyed at July 4th this year had the primary reason for their visit to Nashville as the downtown event. About 80% said they were first time attendees. Over the same July 4th period, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center hosted Delta Sigma Theta's Southern Regional Conference with 4,500 attendees, which also helped fill hotel rooms. Country Music Signature Festival generated a record breaking $77.3 million in estimated direct visitor spending, which was a three and a half percent increase over last year's celebration of the event's 50th anniversary. As previously announced, about 90,000 fans attended CMA Daily. They came from all 50 states and 46 countries, according to the Country Music Association. 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 Osborn 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@osborn.com. That's turner and Osborn.com. Living with a war and 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 murreagional.com/jointreplacement. 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. Tennesseans won't have to travel far for vibrant cultural experience this upcoming season with performances at Tennessee Performing Arts Center by Tycho Project and Step Africa that showcase artists from around the world. From rhythmic African step dance to thunderous beats of Japanese Tycho drums, these experiences promise to captivate audiences with its diverse entertainment and artistic excellence. "We are so excited for Nashville audiences to experience these exceptional performances, which celebrate cultures from around the world," said Jennifer Turner, teapack president and CEO. "Both shows not only entertain, but also educate and inspire through their unique art forms. These performances exemplify teapack's commitment to showcasing diverse voices and cultures on our stages," she said. Tickets are on sale now. You can get them by visiting www.teapack.org or by phone at 615-782-4040. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on Kennedy Broadcasting WKOM WKRM 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 front porch radio tn.com. It's always there for you. I'll be back tomorrow to update you with the latest news. I'm Tom Price. Thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great day. [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] (upbeat music)