Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-15-24
(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 15th. We start with local news. A 16-count indictment against a Murray County teacher was dismissed last week after prosecutors said they could not meet the burden of proof. Kenny L. Anderson, Jr. of Columbia was indicted in February of 2024 by a grand jury on 16 charges that allegedly took place between 2020 and 2023, including rape, incest, and sexual abuse by an authority figure. On Wednesday, August 7th, the charges were dismissed by Judge Kayla Bayless's court. District Attorney General Brent Cooper in a statement stated, "After a thorough review of the case, we felt that we would have difficulty carrying our burden of proof at this time. Unfortunately, these type of cases rarely have any independent physical evidence and rely solely on the word of one party against another. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is a very high burden, often requiring more," he said. Anderson had been free on $200,000 bond since his arrest. He was suspended by Murray County Public Schools in August of 2023 after an investigation into the allegations began. Murray County Public Schools has not yet commented regarding Anderson's job status. Murray County is in the midst of the largest athletic facility improvement project in the county school system's history. Last year, the Murray County School Board drew up a deal that would have the Murray County Commission borrow $28 million in funding for Murray County Public Schools for athletic facility improvements that the school district would then pay back. The proposal was approved by the county commission and the money immediately became available for use. Murray County Public Schools has 20 years to pay back the borrowed sum and it has become a regular item on the school district's budget. When you think about our athletic programs, our athletic facilities, you know, that's our front porch to the world. Murray County Public Schools Superintendent Lisa Ventura said. Upon approval of the funding last year, a list was created to address the most pressing needs of facilities across the county. So we created a list of priorities, ADA Title IX things that needed to be addressed first and the things we could do easily we went ahead and did. Said Eric Perriman, Murray County Assistant Superintendent of Operations, but we really started planning for the larger projects which led to stadium renovations, which led to turf, which led to different types of things that have come along, he said. Every Murray County high school has had its gym floors redone while all middle and high schools have also had storage facilities built for athletic equipment. There are plans to add artificial turf at every Murray County Public High School baseball, softball and football field in the county. In addition to each school getting artificial turf, here's what else the money is paying for. Mount Pleasant Football had locker rooms renovated. The softball facility was renovated entirely. New basketball goals added to the gym and new dugouts for baseball and softball. Columbia Central's back gym and locker rooms will be renovated while each sport will soon be getting its own locker room. Baseball received new dugouts and softball will be getting an indoor facility. Santa Fe's weight room was renovated and new basketball goals were installed in the gym, which was renovated ahead of this project. Colioka is planning a new indoor practice space for basketball and Hampshire will be getting a second outdoor practice space. New dugouts for baseball and softball at the schools are also being planned for the future. And Spring Hill was able to finish renovations to its gym, while bigger renovations are set to be underway soon. There are so many projects still in the works that our campuses are transforming. Murray County Schools District Athletic Director, Chris Pointer said, and it's showing you that there's so much more to Murray County Public Schools. And it also shows how much our district cares about our communities and providing them with that quality space, place and an experience when they go to our campuses, he said. Not included in the facilities project is the new Battle Creek High's Athletic Facilities, which include baseball, football and softball fields all completed with artificial turf. Currently, the most high profile projects this money is being used for are Columbia Central, Mount Pleasant and Spring Hill. Yesterday, Senator Bill Hagerty was in Murray County as part of his statewide economic development tour. He stopped by worldwide stages in Spring Hill where front porch radios Delle Kennedy caught up with him and got to speak to the Senator about what he is learning about the economy across the state. - This is Delle Kennedy, front porch radio. This morning, I am at the worldwide stages here in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Senator Bill Hagerty is kicking off his statewide economic development tour and of course at worldwide stages, what they do is music and recording and that is an important part of the economic life of Bill Tennessee and all of Tennessee. Senator, welcome. - Well, it's absolutely great to be here and to see you again, Delle, and to you and all your listeners. I love you and it's great to be back with you. This has been an absolutely fantastic tour. I'm delighted to see this sort of creative activity happening right here in Spring Hill. As you said, it's part of Tennessee's DNA. We are a creative state. We always have been, if you think about the history of music in this state, you can start in Bristol with the Carter family, make your way through Chattanooga through Middle Tennessee, all the way over to Memphis and Elvis, it's just a tremendous history that we've had. And to see this flourishing here the way it is today, it's just a great, great thing to see. - It is a great thing to see. Now this is the kickoff of your statewide economic development tour. You do it every year about this time. Where do you anticipate going from here? - We're gonna be in Marshall County most of the day today, spending our time here in Middle Tennessee the next couple of days, but we're gonna be all across the state and it's just great to see. A state is vibrant as ours, thriving like ours is. That isn't the case with a lot of my colleagues in the Senate who come from other states. Their economies are hurting right now. We've been very fortunate to have goods on a leadership here in Tennessee. We've got great people here in Tennessee, a great workforce and things are thriving here the way they are, the way I think most other states envy. - So Tennessee is doing an outside job compared to other states in economic development? - Oh, that is absolutely the case. And it's been that way for a number of years. Again, we've had great leadership in the Governor's House and the legislature and we've had great economic development teams out there bringing the business to Tennessee and it wouldn't work. It wouldn't succeed at all without the great people of Tennessee and that's what's our secret weapon, I think. - There you go. I agree with you. Again, Del County Front Portrait deal with Senator Bill Hagerty at worldwide stages in Spring Hill, Tennessee, where he is kicking off his statewide economic development tour for this year. His annual tour. Senator, come back. - All right, certainly Del. Great to see you again. - Columbia City Council is taking another shot at partnering with Tennessee Department of Transportation to begin the long awaited Bear Creek Pike widening project. The project would widen 7.2 miles of the highly trafficked road from US Highway 31 to the Interstate 65 Interchanges ongoing $29 million in upgrades. However, the Bear Creek project has experienced numerous delays, denials and other setbacks over the years. These have included new laws for roadway projects that didn't exist at the time of the Bear Creek projects initial approval, such as additional requirements for right of way acquisition. On Thursday, council members voted to reapply for a potential partnership with TDOT to address the changes, get an upgraded design and hopefully break ground within the next few years. I did not anticipate a turnaround for a reapplication so quickly. And so this came as a nice surprise. Mayor Chaz Mulder said. Hopefully the second time request will be the charm, or at least the second time within 12 months anyway. This is more like the 12th time we have attempted this. He said, the city had previously applied for the TDOT partnership in 2023, but was not included in the state's 10 year grant program. Stating the city had committed $4.5 million for the project and asking TDOT to provide $10 million over the next 10 years. However, despite the 2023 application not being granted, city manager Tony Massey said the city wasn't going to give up. Prior to last Thursday's vote, Bob Graham, a Columbia resident living off Bear Creek Pike, shared his concerns about the project, specifically regarding turn lanes from nearby businesses onto the road. Graham cited the left turn lane out of McDonald's located just off US Highway 31 intersection as one example and how it already presents a safety hazard for drivers. Vehicles are allowed to come out of McDonald's and turn left and there is even a left arrow painted on the ground there. Graham said, that intersection is less than 100 feet from where they're being allowed to turn and they cross over two sets of double yellow lines. The intersection has become very dangerous and someone has to look at the situation, he said. Mayor Mulder said concerns regarding the left turn lanes like the one at McDonald's have been brought up to the city's attention and will be addressed as the project takes shape. There are improvements at that intersection that have been underway as well as design and engineering for quite some time now, Mulder said. Massey added that, this has been brought to our attention and we are looking into it. City engineer Glenn Harper shared details about what now stands in the way of getting the project off the ground as well as an estimated start date if T dot were to accept the application. Harper said the project is currently in its right of way process which due to recent changes is a main reason for the latest delays. When this project started, we were not required to get right of way for the driveway ties but that changed, Harper said. When you have to acquire easements to tie in the driveways that adds another 24 months to the project because of the appraisal and reappraisal process that's where we are at, he said. Harper added that the project will also include eliminating concrete medians allowing left turns out onto the road which could potentially cause issues with traffic flow during construction. It is illegal to turn left across the double yellow lines and so we can do that with enforcement. We can reach out to the McDonald's and see if they will put a right turn only lane. That used to be the case or that median was hatched at one point but during a repaving project the hatching was removed and now it's just a double yellow turn lane. Harper also said a big part of the ongoing delays due to the process and approvals required when state and federal money is involved. It's just the process for federal funding, that's all, Harper said. We are fully funded for construction at this point and we're given next to $9 million to do so. The August meeting of the Murray County School Board featured a lively unplanned debate over the rejected proposal to build an elementary school in North Columbia. The first item of business was whether to go ahead with building an administrative office for the school district on the property of the old McDowell Elementary School. Michael Fulbright, however, made a motion to shelve the question of building that office until the county could commit to building a Northern Elementary School. The North Columbia Elementary Proposal had been voted down 16 to five at the June meeting of the county commission because citizens objected to a new school. Commissioners voted with their constituents concerned citing traffic, slow enrollment growth and poor educational outcomes. School Board Vice Chairman Jackson Carter, who had strongly advocated for the proposed school at the June meeting, agreed with Fulbright that the idea that we can put the needs and wants of adults over the needs of our children is not only irresponsible, but violates the very job that we were put on this board to do by our constituents, he said. Chairman Will Sims and board members Jamila Brown and Betty Kinzer also said that the North end of Columbia needs a school. Board member Wayne Lindsey agreed in principle, but he reminded the board that the county commission holds the purse strings for such a project and had already made its decision. This amendment may have consequences that you don't see now, he said. If you draw a line in the sand that we either get this project or nothing, we make it nothing, he said. Lindsey pointed out that the proposal wasn't on the docket for the August meeting and that Fulbright's motion wouldn't peed new business if passed. Sims replied that the county commission had intruded on the school board's prerogative by withholding funds for the necessary school and objected to being micromanaged by a funding body. But board member Marlene Irvin agreed with Lindsey that the two issues were separate and that the school board should preserve its relationship with the county commission by letting the school proposal slide. Kinzer also pointed out that most of the board members would be leaving their posts after this meeting and it was not their place to obstruct the incoming board members. Fulbright's resolution passed eight to two. The school board committed to prioritize the needed elementary school over the needed administrative office in so far as it's in the board's power. Discussion then continued to the building of the new school district office. County finance director Doug Lucone had made clear that the project has been stopped since the end of February but is moving forward now. The building committee wanted to verify that the school board still wanted the office. The cost of the project was estimated at $50 million with two to $3 million in land and $180,000 in architecture fees accounted for. The cost would first be paid by the sale of other pieces of property and then supplemented by the county commission. Lucone and also pointed out that school district employees are currently dispersed in makeshift offices among active schools. So bringing them into one building would benefit students by freeing up rooms for teaching. Finally, he said that the commission could hypothetically fund both a new elementary school and a new administrative building, though with some future difficulty. An unnamed plastics company could soon invest over $15 million into Mount Pleasant's economy and create 35 new jobs. The numbers were presented at the Mount Pleasant City Commission at its July meeting as part of a request for a pilot or payment in lieu of taxes program. Under the program, companies could receive tax benefits for a limited period of time as an incentive to invest in the local economy. The company listed with a codename of major oak in the pilot documents available on the city's website could move into the Cherry Grove industrial site of Mount Pleasant. According to Murray Alliance, Cherry Glen Industrial Park is located directly off Highway 43 and has 234 certified acres available for development with numerous options for lot configurations ranging in size from approximately 10 to 150 acres. The site includes four internal roadways for convenient site access and all major utilities have been extended to provide access to each available lot. Murray Alliance further states that since 2014, three new companies have located their operations within Cherry Glen Industrial Park, small to CRM, USA Incorporated, the Doug Jeffords Company Incorporated and Fuel Total Systems. "We work with the state of Tennessee and the TBA economic development team to help attract the right type of businesses that fit well within the community to locate here," said Travis Groth. Murray Alliance Vice President of Economic Development. "When a pilot agreement is considered or proposed, there is a comprehensive cost and benefit analysis performed upfront to make sure the community is going to come out in a positive way," he said. The proposal presented to Mount Pleasant Commissioners states in part that Project Major Oak is in the plastics industry and expects to make a capital investment of $15,150,000 and expects to employ 35 employees with a weighted average salary for its employees of $43,383. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oakson Nichols Funeral Home. Cheryl Lynn Powell Church, 71, retired clerk and master for Murray County and 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 with Reverend Tony Brown officiating. The family will visit with friends on Saturday, August 17th from 12 until 2 p.m. at Riverside United Methodist Church. Brian William Safian, 77, retired medical technologist for Centennial Medical Center and a resident of Burns, Tennessee died on Monday, August 12th at his residence. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, August 16th at 1.30 p.m. at Oakson Nichols Funeral Home. Barrio will follow in stand cemetery with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin, American Legion Post, 19. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and again on Friday from 11.30 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Home town memorials is sponsored by Oakson 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 Oakson 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 Oakson 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 Matt and Susie Sowell believe the way to honor tradition is with a specially personal service. We believe your traditions, your customs, your rites of passage are very important. But we also believe in taking care of your personal wishes as well. At Oakson Nichols, we try to do more than just the expected things. So the service you receive honors your heritage and is uniquely yours. And we invite you to experience the difference. - Oakson 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 near 94 degrees. Winds will be light and variable. Tonight, we can expect partly cloudy skies with a shower or a thunderstorm possible. The low will be around 75 degrees with light and variable winds. 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. (buzzer beeps) - Three, two, one. - This is Debbie Matthews with the National Reluity Group. And if you've been paying attention, you know the housing market has been tough. But rates are beginning the thaw. So if you're thinking about selling, the time to jump in is getting better every day. But if you're thinking about buying and those interest rates are still a little bit too high, a good agent knows how to negotiate interest rate by downs. And I'm a good agent. So call me, Debbie Matthews with National Reluity Group, 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 bar, then you should give sands, fence, company, a call that's 931-309-1644. Will Sands has built his business based on the principles of honesty, quality, and integrity. Sands Fence Company has been in business for over 20 years, providing a community with farm, residential, and commercial fencing, as well as pole barns and buildings. Call today for a free estimate. Sands Fence Company, 931-309-1644, 931-309-1644. - For 40 years, the Jewelers Bench has worked hard for their customers and provided the highest quality jewelry at the best price. They keep going back. Recent renovations have allowed them to expand their inventory. More high quality jewelry, custom vintage and estate pieces, and professional jewelry and watch repairs. They also buy gold. The Jewelers Bench, still here, still great service. 808, Trotwood Avenue, Columbia. - This is triacock with Dixie Equipment, sales and rental. We sell ASV and Wacker Northsome 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 to gravely, they don't have to. You see, gravely makes not only the best built and most comfortable lawnmowers, they also leave your house looking like a doggone 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. - See our 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 Kestling 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. The newest addition to the shining towers of Nashville's Church Street has hit the market, Prime, a unique 38-story apartment building developed by Nashville-based Giertana, and shaped like stacked boxes began pre-leasing last month, and will soon welcome its first residence. While the building is not yet open, prospective renters can partake in virtual reality tours of the studio, one bedroom and two bedroom floor plans. The building at 805 Church is the sister tower to Alcove, another Giertana residential development that opened last year across the street. The architecture of both buildings resembles a stack of boxes, but Prime is more vertically aligned than Alcove. The two structures mirror one another on opposite sides of Church Street. Prime, designed by Chicago-based Getch Partners, also features 12 two-story floor plans called Skyhomes. Apartments are advertised for rent, starting September 1st at prices ranging from $2095 to $10,425 per month. Luxury amenities onsite include assault water pool, dog run, resident lounge, fitness studio, and remote work areas. Prime is introducing condo-level living in Nashville's downtown renters. Giertana management chief operating officer, Chari Lewis said, "It is a truly unparalleled living experience, "combining luxury, convenience, and exceptional design "inside and out." The building is strategically located near the Nashville Yards development, which is said to welcome hundreds of office workers in addition to the Amazon's two tower campus, open, arty, nearby. Prime residents will have access to the best downtown Nashville has to offer, from major employers to vibrant cultural and entertainment options at Nashville Yards, which will be right at their doorstep, Lewis said. Prime is the latest in a string of projects led by the development firm, which is also currently working on what will become Nashville's tallest tower, a 750-foot tall building at 1010 Church Street, named Paramount. Giertana, led by longtime downtown Nashville developer Tony Giertana, is one of the city's most prolific urban residential builders. His first apartment building was Cumberland on church in 1998, and he since opened the Viridian Bellmead Court condominiums, the Marquis at Bellmead, Encore, the Sobro rental residences, 18, 18 Church Street apartments, and the 505 and Alcove. In addition to Paramount at 1010 Church Street, the company is also building rock block flats in Midtown's Elestin Place, which is an extension of Church Street. 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 Macaula, 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 and Osborne.com. - That's Turner and Osborne.com. - Living with a worn 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 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 if I want for 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 now our final story. Everyone knows what happens when kids are let loose in a candy store, but what about giving children free reign of an entire recording studio? The 18-year-old non-profit notes for notes does just that and the outcome is equally as sweet. Some kids find an outlet for self-expression, others a lifelong passion, some receive a hand-pressed record with their own music and a handful even find an opportunity to perform at Bonnaroo. The non-profit has 27 and counting recording studios all across America, four of which are spread around Nashville and now Franklin. The studios provide youth free access to musical equipment, instruction and recording studios, aiming to use music as a positive influence in kids' lives. To learn more about notes for notes, head to www.notesfornotes.org. - That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee Today on Kennedy Broadcasting WKOMWKRM Radio. If you ever miss a part or all of this broadcast, you can listen to it anytime or read the transcript online by visiting frontportsradiotian.com. 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) [MUSIC PLAYING]