Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-13-24
(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 13th, and we start as always with local news. A Columbia man has been found guilty of reckless, aggravated assault and other crimes after he ran over a Franklin police officer on Interstate 65 back in 2022. Initially, 28-year-old Roy Jean Nicholson III was charged with aggravated assault on a first responder, for which he was found not guilty, instead being found guilty of the lesser charge. Nicholson was also found guilty of three other charges, evading a rest with a deadly weapon, vehicle, possession of marijuana with the intent to sell and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Nicholson's convictions were returned after nearly three hours of jury deliberation on Friday. The last of a three-day trial presided over by Williamson County Circuit Judge, Deanna Johnson. Defense Attorney E. Kendall White IV told the news that he was disappointed with the verdict and plans on appealing the verdict citing numerous constitutional issues. A family was displaced after a Spring Hill home was severely damaged by a fire. The Spring Hill Fire Department responded to the devastating house fire in the Lexington Farms subdivision Friday evening. While the home was unfortunately a total loss, the quick actions of firefighters saved two neighboring homes. All families made it out safely and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. On Monday, the Columbia Police Department announced the passing of retired Lieutenant Walter Hall. Lieutenant Hall honorably served the citizens of Columbia for 31 years. During service to the community, he served in many capacities, including Detective, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. Lieutenant Hall played a significant role in starting the Columbia Police Department's Honor Guard and served as the first commander. Lieutenant Hall also served for many years as the commander of the SWAT unit. (mouse clicking) From the flatlands of West Tennessee to the soaring hills of East Tennessee, one of the state's most precious resources, its farmland, amounting to about 10 million acres, is in danger of significantly dwindling if preservation measures are not taken, according to agriculture industry experts. During the 84th annual Tennessee Farm Bureau President's Conference at the Cool Springs Marriott in Franklin, the state's ongoing rapid land loss rose to the top of discussion platforms during the two-day gathering of over 750 farmers from across the state. Tennessee could lose over one million acres of farmland to imminent development, according to an American farmland trust study, farms under threat Tennessee, which examines expected trends from 2016 to 2040. The state has already lost 1.1 million acres from 1997 to 2017, and just since 2017, the state has lost 432,941 more acres, according to University of Tennessee farm management studies. Tennessee also ranks third in the nation in land lost, according to the American farmland trust. Exploring solutions, farmers listened on August 8th and 9th to industry experts, including representatives from the University of Tennessee, the president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, and even members of Kentucky Farm Bureau, who have seen success in saving its state's green space. House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally also participated in a panel discussion on Friday, showing support for the caretakers of the state's largest industry, which generates approximately $89 billion annually for the state's economy, according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Rapid population growth, especially in middle Tennessee, correlates with land loss to development, as well as with incoming industry, such as the most recent Ford Blue Oval City Megasite, bringing up to 5,000 jobs to a 4,100 acre industrial park in Haywood County in West Tennessee. We have to do something about this. Neil Delka, beef cattle farmer in Murray County, said in between conference sessions on Friday, we have to get the land preservation bill passed, he said. Governor Bill Lee proposed during the 113th General Assembly, the farmland conservation fund, or House Bill 1890, to combat the problem, but it fell flat in the Senate after passing in the house. However, though some in the Senate had reservations, farm leaders and legislators are confident the bill will re-emerge during the 114th General Assembly. The proposed legislation would allow the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to establish an agricultural easement program, in which landowners can enroll their farm into a program to secure it for years to come. Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry praised the governor's efforts earlier this year, and reassured hundreds of farmers at the conference that the organization would again get behind the legislation. If at first you don't succeed, try try again, Mayberry said. House Speaker Cameron Sexton, who participated on Friday in a panel discussion with Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, confirmed to the Daily Herald that there is hope for the bill to pass in the 114th General Assembly. On the House side, we passed it, he said. The governor is looking at a broader package as well. I was with him the other day, and he said he is having stakeholder meetings, so he is looking at some conservation and preservation as well. We will see what it looks like when it gets to us, but I have full confidence in the governor in that, he said. Key Speaker on Friday, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall reminded farmers of the legislative power the organization possesses when they speak as a collective voice, especially against other legislation that could hurt farmers. "When the foundation of this organization is strong and active, we can make anything happen," Duvall said. "Get outside of your fence rows. Your farm extends beyond your fence rows," he said. In 2022, the Farm Bureau was instrumental in speaking out against the Securities Exchange Commission's proposed rule, the enhancement and standardization of climate-related disclosures for investors. That would have required farmers to disclose information about their operations and employees. The Bureau found it to be too financially cumbersome for the average farmer. "It would have put many farmers under," Duvall said. Duvall said he received a call from the SEC asking why he had received 5,000 emails from farmers in one day, explaining that eventually over 20,000 communications went out to the SEC and US legislators opposing the bill. Ultimately, the bill was killed. Another key solution in successfully preserving land that echoed throughout the conference is securing young farmers to continue their tradition, whether inside or outside generational farming families. Duvall emphasized, "Young farmers are the ones we have to focus on." The Tennessee Bureau even looked to Kentucky as a shining example of how state legislation can be crafted to incentivize families to keep the family farm in operation. Much like Tennessee, Kentucky lost 1.4 million acres of farmland or 17,000 farms over 20 years. Eddie Melton, fifth-generation farmer and president of Kentucky Farm Bureau, described his bureau's efforts in supporting Kentucky in income tax state, legislation that would give incentives or attacks credit of up to 5% for farmers who agree to sell their land to beginning farmers. The Kentucky Bureau has also launched a resource portal to aid families in transitioning operational farms to the next generation through estate planning, resources, for example. "It's about the next generation," Melton said, encouraging families not to delay difficult discussions. Jeff Aiken, deputy commissioner for the State Department of Agriculture, who also served on the Thursday panel, stressed the importance of families transitioning ownership of their farms to other operational owners, including next generation family members. "I think we have the opportunity to make generational transformation that will impact the state and impact the future of agriculture and keep it as the number one industry in Tennessee," Aiken said. Other solutions could reside in land planning across counties. Rutherford County, for example, has formed a plan Rutherford Steering Committee to explore ways to preserve its farmland, while other counties across the state grapple with solutions. Knox County Farm Bureau women's group president, Pamela Stout, has been speaking out at county planning meetings about the importance of farmland not being overtaken by growth. "I believe that preserving farmland is critical for the state's future and ensures not just our food source but our fuel, our fiber and forestry. They're the driving force for us to sustain life and build our economy. "We have to have all of those for ourselves and our families," Stout said, "I don't think people understand the importance of farmland." During a panel discussion, Sexton said, "When traveling domestically or overseas, many know Tennessee as an agriculture state. The only state to have agriculture depicted on its state seal." "I've been asked, are you a farmer many times," Sexton said. "Tennessee is known internationally as a farming state. I don't think Tennesseans know who we are," he said. Sexton also explained what he'd like the average Tennessee Tennessean to know about the farm industry. "I'd like people to know how hard it is to get farm-made products from start to finish and how many things had to go right to get it. The agriculture community is supportive of the family, the church, volunteers and the volunteer spirit," Sexton said. Duval summed up his description of the American farmer and the American Farm Bureau Federation. "We are a family. We love our farms. We love our land and that's why we are here," Duval said. Quoting scripture from the Bible, Duval cited as follows, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for human masters since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." "We are the American farmer," Duval said. The City of Columbia unveiled three new public art sculptures in the Columbia Arts District on Friday. The sculptures were created by local artists Whitney Harrington and Ricorte sculptures. These towering sculptures sit atop new art pedestals on South Garden Street that were constructed as part of the Arts District Streetscape Project completed about eight months ago. The streetscape transformation included wide sidewalks, designated street parking, a one-way traffic pattern, landscaping, lighting, benches and five art pedestals in designated gathering areas. "Today we celebrate not just the unveiling of these magnificent sculptures, but the enrichment of our community's artistic soul," said Columbia Mayor Chasmolder. "Public art is more than just aesthetic beauty. It's a catalyst for connection, inspiration and shared experience. These new pieces, created by our talented local artists, transform our arts district into a vibrant hub where residents and visitors alike can gather, appreciate and be inspired. They are testament to the power of art to bring us together and create a stronger, more vibrant Columbia," he said. One sculpture unveiled was created by Whitney Harrington called Dancing Poppies. This metal art piece marks a significant evolution in Harrington's artistic journey, transforming the vibrant energy of her well-known two-dimensional murals and paintings into a dynamic three-dimensional form. This sculpture is inspired by Poppies and the florals I use in my murals, commented Harrington. "Dancing Poppies is a celebration of growth, both of the subject and of my own artistic practice, as I continued to explore the possibilities of public sculpture and art," she said. The other two sculptures unveiled were Steel Gill and Independence, a family collaboration of local artists, father and sons, Ronald, Nicholas and Corey Ricarte of Ricarte Sculptures. Their sculptures are made completely of stainless steel with bronze compliments and finished with patinas that will interact with the environment to create different hues over the years. All the forming was done by hand and with simple tools. "The design of independence was inspired by breaking away from societal constraints and being true to yourself," stated Nicholas Ricarte. "The design of Steel Gill is inspired by our love of nature and the importance of conservation highlighting the duck river and other water bodies," he said. Additional sculptures will be installed and unveiled in the coming months to fill the remaining two art pedestals on South Garden Street in the Columbia Arts District. Join Murray Alliance on Wednesday, August 21st at 11.30am for their annual education lunch, featuring a state of public education and the 2024 Education Report. During this year's event, Murray Alliance President and CEO Will Evans will lead a panel discussion with representatives from Murray County Public Schools. They will discuss the current state of public education, career and technical education programs, and the inaugural 2024 Education Report, which will be released during the event. Panelists include Lisa Ventura, Murray County Public Schools Superintendent, Amy Roberts, Murray County Public Schools Career and Technical Education Supervisor, and Michelle Gilbert, Murray County Public Schools Director of Teaching, Learning and Assessment. For more information and to register, visit www.murryalliance.com. Registration closes on Monday, August 19th at noon. 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, and originally consisted of 10 buildings, six of which remain today. The Arsenal closed shortly after the Spanish-American War 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, a 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 until 830 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, no tickets are necessary for admittance. The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting a sobriety roadside safety checkpoints during the week of August 16th on State Route 50 East, point two miles east of the 19 mile marker in Murray County, starting at 10 p.m. Impaired driving is a serious crime that kills more than 16,000 people and injures 305,000 people every year in the United States. Troopers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Troopers will target those who operate a vehicle with impaired and while impaired and take corrective actions for other violations observed while ensuring the protection of all motorists. The Tennessee Highway Patrol recognizes that sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and effective tools in the battle against impaired driving. The city of Columbia and a blood assurance are hosting a blood drive on August 16th from 10 a.m. until 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 has located at 102 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. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Cheryl Church Powell. I'm sorry, Cheryl Lynn Powell Church, 71, retired clerk and master for Murray County and a resident of Columbia, died Wednesday, August 7th at Murray Regional Medical Center. A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, August 17th at 2 p.m. at Riverside United Methodist Church. The family will visit with friends on Saturday, August 17th from 12 until 2 p.m. at Riverside United Methodist Church. Mary Francis Campbell Hancock passed away on Saturday, August 10th. Visitation will be held at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 14th from 4 to 8 p.m. and Thursday, August 15th at 11 o'clock with a memorial service to follow at noon. 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 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. 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 90 degrees. Winds will be out of the Northeast at five to 10 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect partly cloudy skies in a low of 67. 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 coulombia, 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 and a 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, Sea Shelter Agent Tommy Hyde Jr. at 388-2009. Are you thinking about a new fence? Maybe you need a pole barn. 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.dixiedeso.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 Holland tractors from compacts to high horsepower. We have a full line of gravely mowing equipment. We also have New Holland 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 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. [MUSIC PLAYING] Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM 101.7 N-W-K-R-M 103.7, your hometown source for news and information. I'm Tom Price. And I'm news from around the state. For the last three decades, the AT&T building on Commerce Street in downtown Nashville, fondly known as the Batman Building, has been an icon that has stood out and defined the Nashville skyline despite its constant evolution. Earl Swenson, the building's architect and the local American Institute of Architects, saw that downtown Nashville was dying at the time with the growth of the suburbs. Reaching out to 30 different organizations, Swenson and the committee of architects asked what they thought Nashville needed. In all those conferences, one thing became clear, a strong downtown. The mayors didn't say to do it. The governor didn't say to do it. The feds certainly didn't say to do it. This is how Nashville did it. Swenson, who died in 2022 at the age of 91, told the Tennessean in 2016. That is what we call the Nashville Way, he said. The shape of the South Central Bell Building, later named AT&T, was simply for wind resistance. The horns or spires were thought up at the time because when Swenson reached out to consultants in Texas, he found that they were renting them to radio stations. Nashville stations such as WSM and WLAC, Swenson had envisioned a good business venture that involved leasing antenna space to the two stations until lawyers told him that he would not be able to lease out the spires. In 2016, Swenson recounted how Ronald Lustig, president of Earl Swenson Associates, went to a luncheon and some people showed him a cardboard hat. These were some competitors of ours who were trying to embarrass us, he said. Now at that time, the building was just known as The Building and they said, we'd like to introduce you to the Batman. So I talked to the building's owner and I said, what do you think? These people called us The Batman Building and he said, fantastic. I said, what, you like it? He said, I think it's fantastic, they'll create PR. Don't you dare change it? Swenson recalled in a 2016 interview with a Tennessean. The Tennessean helped cement the name in the minds of Nashvilleians in July of 1994, then Tennessean editor Frank Sutherland sent a photographer out to get a photo of the building, which was completed and opened in the fall of that year. When the photographer came back to the afternoon meeting where they decided what went on page one, editors examined the photo and it looked just like Batman. When asked if they were going to put the photo up, Sutherland felt readers would miss the point if it was just the photo of the building, they found a photo of Batman in the form of Michael Keaton's version of the superhero at practically the exact angle of the photo of the building and put them side by side on page one. Holy high rise, exclaimed the headline in the Sunday, July 17th, 1994 edition of The Tennessean. Holy architecture began the story by Tennessee and reporter Jennifer Peebles. It's 33 stories tall, has pointy ears and a blue hood pulled low over its eyes. Although it's officially known as the South Central Bell Building, Nashville's newest skyscraper has taken on a more popular moniker, it's the Batman building. Let's take one last break. When we come back, we'll cover the final story of the day. And you're listening to Southern Middle Tennessee today. Turner and Osborne Tire Company 1016 South Main Street in Columbia, give me a call at 931-388-6822. They've been doing business since 1947 and in their current location since 1964. They provide the best tire and mechanical work at some of the best prices in middle Tennessee. Hey, they're official Michelin and Goodyear dealers and they've got all kinds of brands as well. Stop by and see Walker Vining and his professional staff or check them out online at turner@osburn.com. That's turner@osburner.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 experienced team can provide you with quality care close to home. For more information, visit murryregionalmedicalgroup.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. Grammy, CMA, and ACM award-winning singer, songwriter Carly Pierce, announces her headlong Hummingbird World Tour in support of her critically acclaimed fourth studio album, Hummingbird, kicking off October 3rd in Windsor, Ontario. After a tour that will take her across the pond to Europe, she'll land in Nashville on May 16th at the Ryman Auditorium. You can find tickets by visiting 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 any time or read the transcript online by visiting fromportradiotn.com. I'll be back tomorrow to update you with the latest news on Tom Price. Thanks for listening, be safe, and have a great day. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music)