Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-27-24
[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 Tuesday, August 27th and we start as always with local news. Two juveniles, a 17-year-old with a Spring Hill address and a 15-year-old with a Shelbyville address have been charged with vehicle burglary in Murray County Juvenile Court in connection with several vehicle burglaries that occurred early Saturday morning, August 24th. On Saturday morning, officers received reports of vehicle burglaries in the Port Royal Road Common Wealth Drive area of Spring Hill. Officers located possible suspects and gave chase on foot. Police also used a drone to help locate the suspects. A ski mask and a handgun were recovered in the field where the suspects were seen running. If you have information regarding this crime or the other vehicle burglaries that occurred early Saturday morning, you may submit an anonymous tip at www.springhilltend.org. On Sunday, August 25th at 11.26 a.m. Murray County Fire Department was dispatched on a mutual aid request to Bear Creek Road in Marshall County. Responding units included engines 21 and 23, tanker 21 and deputy 20 with a total of 10 personnel. Units arrived and went to work for approximately three hours, successfully extinguishing the blaze. AT&T workers in Columbia who are members of the Communication Workers of America or CWA are still standing on the picket line, asking for better contract negotiations from the company that employs tens of thousands of workers. Late last week, over 17,000 CWA workers across the Southeast enacted an unfair labor practice strike in protest of AT&T's "bad faith" bargaining tactics according to a CWA media release. CWA District three members in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee walked off the job last Friday and remained on the picket line. Columbia facility technician Todd Herd, local CWA 8303 member of over 27 years, said the company needs to "bring the right people to the bargaining table," though he was not specific about contract stipulations. Local CWA 3803 represents 122 workers in southern middle Tennessee, including those in Columbia, Pulaski, Hohenwald, and the surrounding area. In Nashville alone, at least 800 members are striking with a total of about 2,500 workers striking across the state. Herd, who stood over by, stood by over a dozen members at the Columbia AT&T location on Armstrong Lane, said members walked out of the AT&T sites in the city at 2 PM last Friday and are hoping to see some solutions. Andre Jones, who serves as a digital technician and has been with the company for 29 years, said he wishes the company were more sympathetic to employees. They need to be more sympathetic to employees after all that we've put in. "There are a lot of things we'd like to have, like changes to health insurance, like two large deductibles and copay plans," Jones said. "Negotiations began in late June and to AT&T has refused to bargain over mandatory subjects and has failed to send a representative with authority to make decisions," the CWA immediately said. "I've been in close contact with CWA District 3 Vice President Richard Honeycutt, and I have complete faith in our bargaining team," CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. said. "I have told AT&T executives that the striking workers and the bargaining team have my full support. I expect AT&T to treat every member with respect and to send representatives to the table who have authority to bargain and who are serious about bargaining and good faith," he said. AT&T disputed the union's accusations in a news release and said the company reached agreements in three other union negotiations this year that cover 13,000 employees. The company stated that the southeastern strike impacts 15,000 workers rather than the 17,000 claimed by the union. The strike involves technicians, customer service representatives, and others who work with AT&T's residential and business telecommunications network in the region. The union said it filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board because, among other things, AT&T sent representatives to negotiations who did not have the authority to make decisions. "We have been met at the table by company representatives who were unable to explain their own bargaining proposals and did not seem to have the actual bargaining authority required," said Richard Honeycutt, Vice President of the Union's Third District. With customer service representatives and AT&T installation and maintenance technicians on the strike line, the company is using subcontractors to keep their network running, the release said. During the strike, AT&T has been sending untrained managers and contractors to perform highly technical work, Honeycutt said in the press release. Our members have seen them at work in their communities and documented unsafe practices, including failure to wear proper safety equipment, failure to secure ladders and other equipment, putting the worker in nearby vehicles and pedestrians at risk and failure to mark work areas with safety cones. "We're encouraging members of the public to use extra caution when encountering these work sites," he said. The City of Columbia has announced the appointment of interim fire chief Chris Cummins as the new full-time chief of Columbia Fire and Rescue, effective September 3rd. With a distinguished career at Columbia Fire and Rescue and a steadfast commitment to public safety, Chief Cummins brings invaluable experience and leadership to his new role. Chief Cummins commented, "The fire service is founded on a strong legacy and tradition. The history of those who came before us is part of our story, and our actions today will become part of their legacy. I am both honored and privileged to help build this foundation, ensuring that our work will positively impact future generations." Chief Cummins says over three decades of experience with Columbia Fire and Rescue. He began his career with the department in 1990 as a firefighter and steadily rose through the ranks, serving as a fire engineer and driver, captain, assistant chief of suppression, and ultimately as county chief, I'm sorry, deputy chief before retiring in May of 2021. Additionally, Cummins has served over 20 years in total as a volunteer firefighter in both Murray and Lawrence counties. Following his retirement, Cummins was rehired in August of 2021 in a part-time capacity, where he contributed significantly to facilitating FEMA and TEMA transitions, conducting training, securing grants, and implementing hazard mitigation strategies. He was appointed to the possession of interim chief in March of 2024. Columbia Mayor Chasmolder stated, "We're fortunate to have Chris Cummins continue his outstanding service to our community and his role as chief of Columbia Fire and Rescue on a permanent basis. The improved morale and improvements in other metrics during his time as interim chief are the result of his leadership and the respect he has within the department and everywhere else in between. His experience and dedication to public safety make him the ideal leader for Columbia Fire and Rescue." As a full-time fire chief, Cummins will oversee all aspects of Columbia Fire and Rescue, including emergency response operations, training programs, and community outreach initiatives. He will work closely with city officials and department personnel to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors. City manager Tony Massey said, "I'm pleased to announce that Chris Cummins has been selected as the permanent fire chief for the city of Columbia. He has done an outstanding job in the role of interim chief. He brings experience, integrity, and dedication to the position. He will lead the department effectively into the future. Throughout his career, Chief Cummins has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a strong ability to manage crisis situations effectively. As he assumes his new role as full-time fire chief, the city of Columbia is confident in his ability to guide the department with integrity, skill, and a deep commitment to community." The Murray County Fair will return on Thursday August 29th and run until Monday, September 2nd. All of the family fun and entertainment you love will soon be back. This year, the fair festivities begin with a rodeo taking place on Thursday of Fair Week. Several other popular events will be happening like the junk car jump and run and the Saturday motocross races. In addition to the back arena fun, all your favorite animal shows and exhibitor competitions are back this year too. The kids zone will see a variety of live exotic animals and science shows that will amaze kids of every age. The Murray County Fair will take place at Murray County Park located at 1018 Murray County Park Drive in Columbia. For more information on the fair and updates, visit www.murrycountyfair.com. 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 Central 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 to 8 30 p.m. This free event is open to the public and no tickets are necessary for attendance. The African American Heritage Society of Murray County presents Building a Bright Future, Black Communities and Rosenwald Schools in Tennessee, a new traveling exhibition on display now through September 13th at the Murray County Public Library. Created by the Tennessee State Museum in partnership with the John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library of Fisk University, the exhibition traces the history of education for Black Tennesseans from the Reconstruction period through the development of the Rosenwald program and into the present day. The Rosenwald Schools served African American students in rural Murray County for more than 40 years. In addition to the traveling exhibition from the Tennessee State Museum, the African American Heritage Society of Murray County's companion exhibition will include photos of teachers, students, and the 15 Murray County Rosenwald Schools. Also, the African American Heritage Society is hosting in conversation former Rosenwald School students. What are commonly referred to as Rosenwald Schools are the result of an initial partnership between Sears Robuck and Company President Julius Rosenwald, Tuskegee Institute President Booker T. Washington, and Black Communities throughout the South. Between 1912 and 1937, that partnership resulted in the construction of almost 5,000 schools for Black children across 15 states, including 354 in Tennessee. Rosenwald Schools drove improvement in Black educational attainment and helped educate the generation who became leaders of the civil rights movement. The traveling exhibition on display at the Murray County Public Library consists of five two-sided panels and includes the engaging stories of alumni and community members from 16 different Rosenwald Schools in Tennessee. Tennessee State Museum and Fisk wanted to build a more diverse and inclusive space for all Tennesseans to learn about the honor, learn about, and honor, rather, the legacy and history of Black education in the state, said Debbie Shaw, senior curator of archaeology at the Tennessee State Museum. The resilience and perseverance of these Black communities as they strive for equal access to education is highlighted through their work with the Rosenwald School Program. The legacy continues today as members from these same groups worked toward the preservation of these schools and communities, she said. "Our teams at the Fisk University John Hope in a really E. Franklin Library and the foraging future pathways forward building a portable Rosenwald collections for all at Fisk University Project are thrilled to partner and collaborate with Tennessee State Museum," said Delisa M. Harris, Director of Library Services at Fisk University. This exhibit is the first major showcase of the impact and legacy of the Julius Rosenwald Fund Rural School Program in Tennessee. The Columbia Peace and Justice Initiative will be hosting an evening with civil rights activist and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Attorney Fred Gray on Thursday September 19th at 6 p.m. The event will be held at Murray Hills Church located at 101 Unity Drive in Columbia. Fred D. Gray is a pioneer of the civil rights movement. Mr. Gray's life mission has been to destroy racial segregation wherever he finds it and that is what he continues to do today. He has practiced law since 1954 specializing in civil rights litigation and continues to practice today at the age of 93. He has been a cooperating attorney with the National Association for the Advancement of Color People and Legal Defense Fund, Inc. since 1956. He represented many civil rights icons and organizations including the victims of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Claudette Colvin, Congressman John Lewis, the Freedom Riders and Walkers, Selma to Montgomery Marchers, NAACP and others. Attorney Gray is the recipient of many honorary degrees and awards. On July 7th of 2022 President Joe Biden awarded Mr. Gray the Presidential Medal of Freedom which is the highest award a civilian can receive. In 2023 he received the American Bar Association's Medal which is its highest award given and was also awarded the Legal Defense Fund's Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served as president of the National Bar Association and Alabama Bar Association and is the current president of the Tuskegee Human and Civil Rights Multicultural Center. Proceeds from the CPJI Legacy Fundraiser which will replace the traditional legacy luncheon in 2024 will support the completion of the Thurgood Marshall Roundabout coming in 2025 in partnership with the City of Columbia. The Roundabout will feature a sculpture of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall created by sculptor David Allen Clark. It will be located at the intersection of South Main Street and East 8th Street, a gateway to the historic Black Business District and the epicenter of the 1946 Columbia Race Riot, a pivotal movement in Columbia's history that sent shockwaves across the nation. Marshall's dedication to protecting the rights of all citizens earned him the nickname Mr. Civil Rights. His distinguished career includes successfully having the Supreme Court declare segregation in public schools unconstitutional. President Lyndon Johnson nominated Marshall as the first African-American to serve on the United States Supreme Court in 1967. Sponsorship opportunities are currently available. For more information you can contact Russ Adcox at RussAtMarieHills.com or call the number 931-620-736, individual tickets are $55 and may be purchased at cpji.org. The Murray County Clerk's Office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. at the Murray County Senior Center located at 1020 Murray County Park Drive. Please drive around the back of the building and look for the card tag renewal sign near the back door. Forms of payment include credit or debit card or check no cash will be collected at that site. Any Murray County resident can use this office. All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 public square. Also you can renew online at tncountyclirk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mount Pleasant Courthouse. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Gwendolyn Murray Montgomery Krieger, age 69 of Estill Springs, passed away August 24th. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday August 29th at 11 a.m. at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Barry will follow in Santa Fe Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Wednesday from 4 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Bethany Carol Hickman Brothers, 66, a resident of Antioch, died Sunday August 25th at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday August 29th at 4 p.m. at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends from 2 to 4 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. 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 and 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 Matt and Susie Sowell believe the way to honor tradition is with especially 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 Oakes and 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. 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 lots of sunshine today. With a high of 99 degrees, winds will be light and variable. Tonight, we can expect clear skies and a low of 66. Let's take a break. When we come back, we'll cover state and national news that affect you. You're listening to southern middle Tennessee today. Debbie Matthews Rilter and her husband Jason, who is a pro songwriter, also own a music publishing company they live in historic downtown Columbia with their dogs. Dog rescue work is their passion project. They consider middle Tennessee their backyard and their lives are full of all things Tennessee. Debbie says there is no greater honor than to help someone find a home. To be trusted with that job, there is no greater privilege. Call Debbie at the Nashville Realty Group, 615-476-3224, 615-476-3224. Family First. My dad used to tell us that all the time. But Family First wasn't just something he'd say to us. It was how he lived every day of his life. And it's how I try to live mine too. At Shelter Insurance, our agents are dedicated to helping provide personalized auto home and life protection that 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 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. 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 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 hauling tractors from compacts to high horsepower. We have a full line of gravely mooring equipment. We also have new hauling construction equipment attachments and accessories for your tractors in 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 back hill 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. 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. Tennessee is turning to an Oregon Tech Company to deal with a big shortage of foster families to house and care for children in state custody. And some state officials have high expectations for the partnership that's being announced Monday as part of a rollout for a new venture between state government, the faith community, and nonprofits called Every Child TN. Our hope is that there's a radical difference in the state's foster care system, said Lance Villio, executive director of the governor's faith-based and community initiative, which is joining the Tennessee Department of Children's Services in launching Every Child TN. The tech and nonprofit, the contingent, has used new software and online marketing to develop thousands of leads to sign up new foster families in three other states. And Tennessee officials hope the Portland Oregon Company can do the same here. There are big challenges for Tennessee's child welfare programs. To start, Tennessee has more than 8,000 children in state custody, but only about 5,000 certified foster families. And many of those will only take babies or young children with no obvious behavior or mental health challenges, DCS officials said. About 73% of foster children are placed with families outside of their home counties, some as far as three hours away. And about one third of kids in state custody are separated from their brothers and sisters when they're placed, a governor's faith-based and community initiative spokesperson said. DCS itself also has come under fire in recent years, in a lawsuit filed in June, DCS has been accused of barbaric violence against kids with disabilities. And DCS experienced a staffing collapse in 2022, though some improvement has been made since new DCS commissioner Margie Quinn came into office in September of 2022. Meanwhile, the average child's TN initiative is the most high profile effort to date for the governor's office of faith-based and community initiatives. Starting in 2019, the community was initially privately funded. But in 2023, became began receiving more than a million dollars in direct taxpayer dollars. The office came under scrutiny and calls for an independent audit after the Tennessean reported on a lack of detail on how those funds would be spent. 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 in Osborn.com. That's Turner and Osborn.com. Minutes matter when you call 911 for a heart attack and Murray Regional Health is ready to care for you. Utilizing the state-of-the-art cardiac cath lab at Murray Regional Medical Center, our team of expert cardiologists and experienced clinical professionals are equipped to investigate heart conditions quickly and perform lifesaving interventional procedures. Go to MurrayRegional.com/Heart to learn more. And remember, always dial 911 when you or someone near you is experiencing heart attack symptoms, Murray Regional Health, where clinical excellence meets compassionate care. This is how 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. The Columbia Police Department is gearing up for its 10th annual community event, promising a day of family fun and community bonding. Set for Tuesday, September 24th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Riverwalk Park, located at 102 Riverside Drive in Columbia. This free event is open to all residents. The festivities aim to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community under the theme "unity in the community." Attendees can expect a variety of activities suitable for all ages. 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 at any time or read the transcript online by visiting FrontportsRadioTn.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]