Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-9-24
(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 9th, and we start with local news. On August 7th at 10 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Wades Grove subdivision off Buckner Lane in the area of La Choir Lane and Keene Circle in Spring Hill to a call of someone hearing multiple gunshots. Officers arrived on the scene and located several empty handgun shell casings on the street in the 2000 block of Keene Circle. Officers spoke to several people in the area to determine if the gunfire hit anyone or any structures. No damage or persons injured were located at the time of the report. If you have information about this incident, you can submit an anonymous crime tip at www.springhilltn.org. The Columbia Police Department is seeking assistance and locating a suspect. Police say 25-year-old Keontre Troop is wanted for aggravated stalking. A photo of Troop is available to see at murraycountysource.com. Any person with additional information that may assist in this or any other investigation is encouraged to contact Columbia Police Department Dispatch at 931-388-2727. Murray County Crime Stoppers at 931-381-4900 or Columbia Police Safe Tip email at safetips@columbiatn.com. U.S. Representative Andy Ogles has confirmed his cell phone was confiscated by the FBI last week after he won the Republican nomination for Tennessee's Fifth 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 Ogles, initially told the media organization he would not confirm or deny the search warrant. Later, the lawyer told 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, X, 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," he said. The FBI declined a 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. Mariam Abel Fosley, Ogles' Democratic opponent in the forthcoming general election for the fifth 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 fifth district and he needs to go, she said. 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 amendment 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 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 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. An applicant is seeking approval from the Spring Hill Municipal Planning Commission for a preliminary plan that consists of 57 town homes, 63 single family lots, open spaces and a possible greenway connection. The request was for approval by CSBG for June Lake Pod E section two that is located at Marston Avenue and Deep Lake Drive contains about 4.16 acres. The commission heard the final plat did meet the outlined requirements, but there was a revision that needed to be made prior to the voting meeting and there are four planning conditions of approval and 12 engineering ones. I think we agree with all the comments and conditions. Ryan Lovelace with CSBG said, "I understand we're a pod or section of the larger June Lake." Commission member Jonathan Duda said, "But periodically, as we're getting additional sections in, I've made requests to see if we can get our master plan updated based on the as-built environment or as-approved plats. It would be very helpful," he said. It was very difficult to try to figure out where this was, how this integrated with the existing plan. And so I'm suggesting that's part of that, this plats approval, but I'm suggesting that we need to get that for the planning commission in the future," he said. Barge Civil Associates is requesting a site plan approval for Spring Hill Industrial Park Phase III, located on Cleveland Road that consists of three buildings totaling 542,000 square feet. The property is zoned I-1 and contains approximately 85.35 acres. The plan includes passenger car and semi-trailer, loading and unloading docks, access roads, stormwater facilities, and utilities. Louis Agnew with Charles Hawkins Company, the developers of the project, said the commission had asked for better alignment with the connectivity, the last time they had met with them. So we rotated the building down, reduced the square footage, removed the roundabout, replaced it with a four-way stop that's between the buildings on the far right, and then the center of what we're talking about, Agnew said, and then that better aligned the connection between building one and the truck court between buildings four and five. "We've added a substantial amount of new signs, stripes, "wayfinding to the traffic control measures, "and we've done everything we can to make it work," he said. The commission also discussed an applicant request for a final plaid approval for Mayberry subdivision, formerly known as Charter Oaks Estates. It consists of 14 dwelling units, two open space lots and a new public roadway, right-of-way. The site contains 7.59 acres and is located at 2893 Duplex Road. The property is zoned R2 in November of 2023, and the preliminary plaid was approved with four planning conditions of approval and 18 engineering conditions of approval. After meeting with the staff, the staff did request a construction timetable showing the timeline of progress with construction on the property, Springhill Associate Planner Jackson Reed said. This was requested based on existing site conditions and at the time of application of submittal, work had not commenced, and staff had asked for assurances through the submittal of the project scheduled for infrastructure installation prior to final action on the final plaid. There are now four planning conditions of approval and one engineering condition of approval on the project. Bids will be opened during the next to Murray County Public School Board meeting for part of the $28 million athletic upgrades that will include athletic projects and concession buildings at Cox Middle and Springhill High School. Recommendations will include bids for a concession stand in restrooms at Cox Middle School, which will also be the main entry gate into that facility. Assistant Superintendent of Operations, Eric Perriman, said that this is the last item in its completion. Other recommendations are for Springhill High School's softball field to be moved out of the flood area, which would include the construction of a new field. It is converting that area that floods into a retention pond, then also into a parking lot that would serve as handicapped parking for the football stadium, Perriman said. So new entry into the stadium, along with new concession stand and restrooms for Springhill High School Stadium, he said. Perriman said that the old facilities will be demolished and this project will also complete these upgrades for the Springhill High School campus. But they're pretty large projects, Perriman said. We bid them together with the ability to separate if need be. So I could be bringing you one bid that would complete both projects for two bids, one for Cox and one for Springhill High School. The board also heard during its work session that Battle Creek High School's baseball field was being started in mid-July and its softball field was finished. Turf started going down on the Mount Pleasant football field around the same time and excavating the softball field was to begin the week after. And excavation at Central's softball field was already in progress, as well as the grade change at the baseball field. The first responders of Murray County will come together this weekend to compete in the second annual James Best Foundation Basketball Game Fundraiser. The Springhill Fire Department will face off against Columbia Fire and Rescue Department in a basketball game showdown. During halftime, there will be a live auction with 100% of the proceeds going to the Murray County long-term recovery group to assist with disaster relief. The event will be held on Saturday, August 10th at 7 p.m., in the Springhill High School gymnasium. The event is open to the public and tickets are $5 each with children five years old and under admitted free. The James Best Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that grants wishes to adults battling criminal illness. James Best, an Apophka area resident was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 38 and died at age 42. James's wish was to meet and greet with Garth Brooks. However, due to his lack of resources, James died without having his wish fulfilled. The James Best Foundation was formed in response to that situation. It began granting wishes in August of 2017. And as of August of 2024, they have granted 39 wishes. Although this tournament benefits the James Best Foundation, it is our honor and privilege to work with these first responders from Murray County to put on a competitive and fun-filled event for the entire family. Organizers said in a press release. Columbia Academy will host an event detailing the history and architecture of the Columbia Arsenal and details found from the recently discovered blueprints housed at the National Archives in College Park, Maryland. The presentation will consist of a panel including Architect Justin Lowe of Centric Architecture, Columbia Academy President Dr. James A. Thomas and me, County Archivist Tom Price. Built in 1890 by the United States government, the 67 Acre Campus was an active military installation known as the Columbia Arsenal, an originally consisted of 10 buildings, six of which remain today. The Arsenal closed shortly after the Spanish American were in 1901 and transitioned into Columbia Military Academy in 1904. In 1979, the Academy was turned over to a board from local churches of Christ as they established Columbia Academy and now pre-K through 12th grade private Christian school. The lecture will take place in the Polk Hall Auditorium on the upper school on Thursday, September 5th from 7 to 8 30 p.m. This free event is open to the public and no tickets are necessary for admittance. 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 the Tennessee Economic and Community Development fast-track grants are necessary to recruit new businesses or have businesses expand 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 a 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 planned $5.6 million startup in Jackson County that will employ 35 people in Gainesville. 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. 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 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, Renison 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 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 @ronyorkartist and on Facebook. Beginning this week, the breezeway providing access to downtown Columbia from the parking lot behind City Hall beside Square Market Cafe will be closed until further notice for structural assessment. Downtown visitors parking in this lottery encouraged to use blue 32 vintage marketplace during business hours to access the square while the assessment is being conducted. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Elizabeth Betty Coffee Sharpton, 76 lifelong resident of Columbia died Wednesday, August 7th at Murray Regional Medical Center. Funeral services for Mrs. Sharpton are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Nancy Carroll, SQ Pennington, 82, former courier for PCA Labs and a resident of Columbia died Wednesday, August 7th at Murray Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, August 10th at 2 p.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 12 until 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be extended online 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 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 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 offer 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 a mix of sun and clouds today with a high of 88 degrees. Winds will be out of the North at five to 10 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect clear skies and a low of 61 degrees. For your weekend forecast, we will see cooler weather with highs in the low 80s and nighttime lows in the low 60s. There will be plenty of sunshine to go with the cooler temperatures, both on Saturday and Sunday. 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 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 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. (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 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 Peralis, 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 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 Keslin with Pat Ryan. It's a beautiful day for digging. The backhoe 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 now news from around the state. As the new academic year gets underway, several public school districts around Middle Tennessee have said they won't allow teachers or staff to carry concealed handguns on campus, despite a recently enacted state law that would permit it. However, a few districts have not responded to repeated questions about their stance. The controversial law includes several requirements for K-12 teachers and staff who wish to carry, including a sign off from their district director, principal, and ahead of their local law enforcement agency. They must also undergo training, background checks, and a psychological evaluation. The law does not require districts or schools to disclose who is carrying. In April, Murray County Public Schools spokesperson, Jack Cobb, said district officials were waiting until Lee signed the law, the bill into law to decide on how to proceed. The governor signed the bill into law a few days after it passed in April. As of start of school, repeated follow ups inquiring about the district's decision have gone unanswered. In an email sent to district staff and families in April, Williamson County Schools director, Jason Golden, said he talked the law over with Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Hughes. We have concluded that teachers and staff carrying handguns will not improve school safety on Williamson County School campuses. So I will not authorize teachers or staff being armed at Williamson County Schools, Golden Route. The Sheriff's School resource officers who are assigned to every WCS school are trained professionals and are a vital part of our comprehensive school safety plans. We appreciate our ongoing partnership with the Williamson County Sheriff's Office, he said. Williamson County may remove an image of the Confederate flag from its official County Seal, a Davidson County Chancellor ruled on Tuesday. The decision comes after a year's long legal battle over plans to remove the flag from the so-called Great Seal of Williamson County, an official marker of public business displayed on public buildings and county records. In May of 2022, the Tennessee Historical Commission ruled that the seal is not an official historic memorial and county officials could alter or replace it as they wished. The Williamson County-based Major Nathaniel Chair's Camp 2138 Sons of Confederate Veterans Group, which seeks to promote Confederate era history, filed a challenge citing the Tennessee Heritage Protection Act, a law that explicitly disfavors altering or removing monuments and markers of the war between the states. In her ruling, Davidson County Chancellor, Patricia Head Moscow, affirmed the historical commission's decision that the seal is not a historic monument and is not subject to the Protection Act, clearing the way for the county to update its seal. The seal, a circle divided into four quadrants, each containing a different tableau, was first adopted in 1968 at the height of the civil rights movement. The Confederate flag and cannon are in the upper left quadrant, while other quadrants depict a Bible in front of a church window, a schoolhouse, and a pasture with animals. In the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, the seal drew increased public criticism, a task force convened by the county first recommended removing the Confederate flag image. 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. Good McCall 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@osburn.com. That's turner@osburn.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, Lewis, 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 landersinsuranceagency.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and our final story. Country music hall of fame member Vince Gill has been added to the concert for Cumberland Heights, a night of stories and song. The event is set for August 15th at 7.30 PM at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The iconic artist joins Charles Kelley, Bob DiPiero, Victoria Shaw, Randy Montana, Ernest, Eric Paisley, Dylan Altman and the Warren brothers for an evening of music and inspiration. The evening will also feature Cumberland Heights music therapist, John McAndrew. Since the beginning in 1996, the concert for Cumberland Heights has raised over $3.6 million for the John Hyatt Fund for Adolescent and Young Adult Treatment. This fund is essential in providing support for programs and patient scholarships at Cumberland Heights, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through addiction recovery. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.ryman.com. 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. 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) (upbeat music)